In the world of countertops, granite and quartzite are two of the most popular natural stone materials available. They are durable, beautiful and low-maintenance, but make no mistake — they are not the same. Quartzite and granite each come with their own strengths, meaning you can tailor your countertop to fit your home’s needs. They also come in different colors and styles, opening up a world of creativity and elegance that is all your own.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the debate around granite vs. quartzite and show you the strengths of each so you can make a more informed decision about your countertops and enjoy the installation process without worry.
What Are the Differences Between Granite and Quartzite Countertops?
The elegance and appeal of natural stone countertops are undeniable, and there is tremendous overlap between many of the most common materials used to craft them. Both granite and quartzite are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, meaning they can be tailored for kitchen countertops, tables and even floors. These stone types differ in everything from their composition and formation to their presentation and porosity, however:
- Granite: Granite is an igneous rock that forms when magma mixed with silica and alkali metal oxides cools underground. It also contains quartz and a variety of minerals, meaning it comes in many different colors and styles. Gray, white and pink are the most common, but when other minerals are present, the shade can be yellow, red, blue and more. Each slab has a unique pattern, which can further enhance the beauty of your living space. Granite is porous, but countertops can be sealed to help prevent absorption and staining.
- Quartzite: Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone rich in quartz is exposed to extreme heat and pressure as a result of tectonic compression. Purer quartzite typically comes in whites and grays, but there are other colors as well. Most varieties of this rock are nonporous — they tend not to absorb and hold fluids, making them stain-resistant.
Granite vs. Quartzite Durability
There’s a lot to say when it comes to the durability of granite slabs vs. quartzite slabs. They are both hard and effective as countertops, but there are nuances in how each responds to sharp objects, heat and liquids:
- Granite: This stone has a similar hardness to quartzite. It is technically the softer of the two, but it is relatively rare for something to scratch a granite countertop without also scratching a quartzite one. Pure granite is highly heat resistant, even more than quartzite. The difference is small, but it may still matter in certain scenarios. Trivets and hot pads are recommended as a precaution.
- Quartzite: Quartzite is the harder of the two, clocking in at a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Only harder materials, such as topaz and diamond, are capable of scratching quartzite countertops. It can also withstand exposure to high temperatures, given how it was formed. This heat resistance isn’t infinite, though, so it may be a good idea to use trivets rather than placing pots and pans directly on the countertop, just to be safe.
Granite and several variations of quartzite have low levels of porosity, which means liquids can sink beneath their surfaces. However, most quartzite countertops are nonporous, mitigating this issue. Porous countertops can also be sealed with stone sealant to keep out liquids and buildup, which makes cleaning and maintaining them far easier.
Granite vs. Quartzite Maintenance
Maintaining granite and maintaining quartzite look very similar. The only things that impact their upkeep requirements are the porosity of your countertop and how you treat it. If you use the surface as a cutting board or a home for heavy objects, it may not last as long as it should. If you regularly clean and seal the surface, your countertops will last longer.
The sealing process is relatively simple. When the countertop is installed, it should also be sealed with a stone sealant to combat spills and stains. You may need to reapply the sealant once a year, but some countertops may require more or less, depending on their specific porosity. If your countertop’s sheen has diminished or gotten scratched, you can replace it early.
The cleaning process is even simpler. You can wipe up regular spills the same way you would clean any other surface. All you need is a sponge or paper towel and some soapy water, and you’re good to go.
Granite Countertop Advantages
Now that we’ve delved into the differences between granite and quartzite, here is a rundown of the traits that make granite a great material for countertops:
- Durability: Granite is very durable and comfortably able to survive scratches and intense heat.
- Maintenance: Granite countertops typically require regular resealing, but this process is simple and keeps the surface easy to clean.
- Color: This is the area where granite shines. It comes in an enormous amount of colors and shades, making it immensely versatile.
- Style: Each slab of granite carries a unique pattern, further enhancing its appearance.
- Heat resistance: Granite is extremely heat resistant, and it can stand up to most, if not at all, temperatures it will encounter in your home.
- Cost: Granite is generally more affordable than quartzite, which may make it easier to outfit an entire kitchen, bathroom or similar.
Quartzite Countertop Advantages
Quartzite likewise has many benefits, some of which make it superior to granite as a countertop material:
- Durability: Quartzite is even more durable than granite and can stand up to harder minerals with ease.
- Maintenance: Many varieties of quartzite are nonporous and rely less on sealing and resealing to stay clean.
- Color: Quartzite comes in a number of colors, though it is primarily known for its more neutral palette.
- Style: Each slab of quartzite also has a unique pattern, which makes this stone a good visual alternative to marble countertops.
- Heat resistance: Quartzite can stand up to extreme heat easily, though it is technically less resilient than granite in this area.
Let Modul Marble Help You Decide Today
Choosing between these natural stone countertops doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The architecture and design representatives at Modul Marble are deeply dedicated to you and your home. We’ve worked with luxury homes, hotels, meeting halls and everything in between, and we’ve been doing so since 1989. That’s our story. And our curated collection of slabs from around the world can give you more than just options — it can give you a story, too.
To discover the right option for you, explore our online inventory or submit a contact form for more information.
