Often confused as one, quartz and quartzite are two distinct materials. There are various factors to consider before you decide whether to buy either quartzite or quartz. In this article, we’ll help you understand the significant differences between these two materials and decide which one is better for your home.
Quartz vs Quartzite
Manufacturing of Quartz:
Quartz kitchen worktops are made of an engineered stone, which contains 90% pure quartz and 10% resins, pigments and other polymers. These percentages may vary slightly as per different quartz brands.
Variations:
There are many variations in quartz worktops. It means you can choose from a wide range of colour and design options to blend with any modern or traditional decor. It can also be cut in different sizes and shapes according to the given area.
Manufacturing of Quartzite:
Quartzite is a natural stone formed as a sandstone with high quartz content. When exposed to extremely high heat and pressure, it forms quartzite that’s known as one of the densest natural stones on earth.
Variations:
Quartzite kitchen worktops can be found in different shades of grey and white. However, some other colours also exist according to the natural change and differences in the mineral content.
Appearance
Quartz worktops have become popular in recent years due to its stunning appearance. These engineered worktops can be designed to have any desired look, including natural-looking stone worktops. Since quartz can be customised, one could easily find something that they like in terms of appearance.
Quartzite countertops are naturally gorgeous and often mistaken as marble due to the similarities in the appearance of both these natural stones. However, quartzite has more functional advantages compared to marble.
When it comes to appearance, you can decide which material is better for you. Quartz will provide you with a broader range of styles, whereas quartzite will offer the appearance of natural stone.
Maintenance
Since quartz is non-porous, it has an advantage over natural stones. Due to low porosity, this human-made material doesn’t require sealing. Hence, quartz maintenance is much easier than natural stones. For cleaning, all you need is a soft cloth/sponge and mind soap to wipe spills and dirt off the surface.
Even quartzite countertops maintenance is more accessible, as you need soap, water and a clean sponge. However, you need to seal the surface to protect it against liquid spillage or damages.
Maintaining a worktop means to keep it in good shape. Although both these materials are easy to maintain, quartz is more comfortable to handle, as it doesn’t need sealing.
Durability
Quartz is known to be a nearly indestructible worktop surface. However, it would help if you took some precautions to avoid even the rarest of chances of damage. For instance, you need to be careful with heat. Do not put excessive heat on its surface or it may get burn marks.
Quartzite is one of the most durable worktop materials found in nature. But one needs to be careful while maintaining this countertop or it could damage.
In terms of durability, quartzite worktops are better because these are more durable compared to quartz.
Moisture Resistance
As a non-porous surface, quartz worktops are moisture resistant. However, it is recommended to clean the spills immediately to make the surface appear nice and shiny.
When properly sealed, quartzite worktops also become moisture resistant. But sealant won’t last for long, and you need to re-seal it periodically to maintain its moisture-resistant ability.
Comparing their ability to resist moisture, quartz is a clear winner due to its non-porous surface, and it also doesn’t need any sealant to retain moisture resistance.
Heat Resistance
Quartz worktops are resistant to heat. But resin in these worktops could melt when exposed to high temperatures. So, it’s best to use hot pads or trivets to prevent any damage to these surfaces.
Unlike quartz worktops, quartzite is highly heat resistant. It can easily withstand hot temperature even if you don’t use hot pads or trivets to place hot utensils.
In comparison to the heat resistant ability, quartzite is a better option here.
Price
Average quartz worktop prices range from £91+vat per m2 to £362+vat depending on the brand, thickness and type of design. The price difference is due to different resources or products used for manufacturing quartz, as well as how much research and development is undertaken to create a specific design.
On the other hand, natural quartzite worktop prices start at £129+vat per square meter and overall prices would vary depending on the installation cost and distance of the site.
On comparing the prices, both materials are in different or perhaps similar ranges, depending on the colour of the quartz and on how exotic the natural quartzite may be. For these reasons, homeowners can decide which one is more feasible to them depending on the different factors mentioned above.
Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo
