Quartzite Countertops

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Quartzite Countertops in Laguna Hills

Quartz and quartzite are two popular choices for countertops, but they are not the same material. They offer differences in looks, durability, care and price that you should know about before making your selection. Are you in the market for a new countertop? Have you taken a look at the quartzite countertops that have become the latest rage in kitchen decor? Quartzite countertops not only are beautiful they are very durable and add stunning beauty to your kitchen. Laguna Kitchen and Bath carries a large selection of quartzite as well as other elegant countertops in Laguna Hills, Ca.

Quartzite slabs are one of the earth’s strongest materials making it the perfect choice to adorn your kitchen. More and more homeowners are looking for countertops that look like marble but that perform more like a harder stone. Plenty of homeowners and interior designers are opting for natural stones like quartzite, and thanks to a wide variety of color options you can find great stones without sacrificing sturdiness. Here are 5 that look so much like marble, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Understanding Quartz and Quartzite

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It is created when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure caused by tectonic plate compression in the crust of the earth. The stone is mined and sawn into slabs which are later precisely cut to become countertops. The tops are polished and sealed for beauty and durability.

Quartz countertops are often called engineered countertops because they are fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. Loose quartz makes up about 93 percent of the material. It is blended with a binder and pigment and formed into countertops.

Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops

Here is a comparison of quartz and quartzite that will help you decide which material is right for your bathroom or kitchen countertops project.

Appearance: It’s impossible to say that one material is more attractive than the other, since beauty is subjective for each of us. Quartzite is generally found in white to gray. Pink and red hues are a result of iron oxide in the stone.

Yellow, blue, green and orange quartzite results from the presence of other minerals. Regardless of the color, the quartzite will have streaking caused by varying degrees of pressure in its formation and the random presence of iron oxide or other minerals.

Quartz, because pigment can be added, is available in a much wider range of colors for you to consider. The way the countertop material is formulated gives it the appearance of natural stone such as granite or marble.

The bottom line in appearance is that if you want natural stone, quartzite is your choice. If you’d like a more diverse selection of colors and patterns to consider, you’ll find it in quartz.

Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where quartz has an advantage over quartzite is that it is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible. Both countertop materials can be scratched by sharp objects, and a cutting board should be used.

Countertop Maintenance: Quartz requires very little maintenance. It wipes clean with a damp cloth. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on quartz, and they really aren’t needed. Ease of maintenance is the main advantage quartz countertops have over quartzite.  In any event, as with all countertops, it is advisable to use cleaners designed for your type of surface.

Quartzite requires quite a bit more TLC. It must be sealed before use and re-sealed one or two times per year. Without a proper seal, stains can penetrate into the stone. This is a weakness shared by all natural stone including granite and marble. When properly sealed, quartzite cleanup is easy.

We carry Quartz countertops from the following vendors:

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