Quartzite vs. Granite: A Comparison of the Two Stones

Table of Contents

Quartzite and granite are two of the most popular countertop building materials. Both natural stones offer great benefits to homeowners. But what is the difference between the two, other than the fact that they are two different types of stone? Before purchasing, you should investigate what exactly are the differences between quartzite and granite. This guide will help you find out exactly what those differences are, and which one will suit your style or needs. 

Installing any type of natural stone can help benefit a home renovation project. In addition to the elegant look of natural stone, installing either quartzite or granite in your home can actually increase the home’s resale value. While there are many countertop surfaces that you can choose from, a great number of homeowners still desire to use natural stone in their houses, whether it is quartzite, granite or any other type of stone. 

There are many ways that you can use natural stone in the home, from kitchen and bathroom countertops and backsplashes to tables, and even flooring in some cases. Regardless of where its used and in what way, any way that natural stone is implemented will be sure to improve the look of your home. Beyond looks, the type of natural stone you select can also increase the functionality of the area where it is installed. 

Before deciding on the natural stone that is right for your home, there are several factors that you must make note of related to both looks and physical elements of the stone. This guide will help you determine whether quartzite or granite will be a better fit for your new stone countertops. 

[get_quote]

Comparisons 

How does quartzite form? 

Quartzite forms as a result of sandstone that has high quartz content being exposed to high amounts of heat and pressure. The natural stone is one of the densest materials you will be able to find. Keep in mind that quartzite is a natural stone, while the similarly named quartz is engineered stone. The two types of stone often get confused due to the similarity in name. However, be careful not to confuse the two because the properties of each are very different. 

Variations of quartzite 

Quartzite can typically be found in shades of white and gray, however, there are other colors of quartzite. Variation in color is due to differences in mineral content. 

How does granite form? 

Granite is formed underground when magma cools. This allows for large crystals of minerals to develop. These crystals give granite its color. Granite is a very popular material for use in home remodeling projects and is seen in many kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite can be found in a wide range of colors. 

Variations of granite 

Since granite can be found in so many styles, some can even give you the look of other natural stones like marble. There are hundreds of styles of granite that you will be able to choose from. 

Appearance 

Quartzite will give your countertop an elegant look. The stone’s looks have been compared to those of marble. However, quartzite can offer functional benefits that marble cannot. 

Granite will give your countertop a stylish look, especially if you use it in the kitchen. The natural stone will instantly add appeal to any part of the house where it is used. 

When it comes to appearance, granite gets the slight edge. Despite quartzite being a beautiful natural stone, granite offers more styles to choose from.

Cost 

Quartzite generally starts around $60 per square foot but can cost more if the type you choose is rarer. 

Granite tends to cost a little less than quartzite. Granite can usually be found in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed. As with quartzite, this number can be on the higher end if the type of granite is rare. 

If you are looking for a better idea of the cost of either quartzite or granite, you should get an estimate. That said, in general, granite is a more affordable option than quartzite. 

Maintenance 

Quartzite is incredibly durable and is the perfect material to choose if durability is your determining factor. A quartzite countertop is also very easy to clean, as you will only need soap and water. In terms of maintenance, having a quartzite countertop will be one of the easiest features of your house to maintain. 

While it is not as durable as a quartzite countertop, a granite countertop is still very durable. Just like quartzite, granite is easy to clean. You can clean the surface using warm soapy water. Do not use anything harsh such as vinegar, bleach or Windex. Overall, granite is a very durable material that should stay in prime condition if cared for properly. 

As long as you take good care of them, your quartzite or granite countertops can last for years.

To determine which is the better option in terms of maintenance, the information above gives quartzite a slight advantage. 

Installation 

To install your quartzite countertops, you will need to hire a professional. You should not install your own quartzite countertop. By hiring a professional, you will significantly lower the chance of any damages occurring during the installation process. 

As with quartzite, you will need a professional to install your granite countertop for you.You should not attempt to take on the job yourself. Having a professional do the job can prevent any chipping or minor damages happening when the countertop is being installed. 

For installation, there is no clear winner in a competition between quartzite and granite. Both will require the assistance of a professional to install the surface.

Durability 

Quartzite is one of the most durable countertop materials you will be able to buy. It is heat, scratch and stain resistant – making it perfect for use in a kitchen.  

Granite is very durable in its own right, which also makes it a popular choice in many kitchens. Although it can damage sharp knives you use on the surface, you still should not cut directly on the countertop. Like quartzite, granite countertops are also heat resistant, meaning a hot pot or pan will not cause damages. Be careful when handling heavy objects around a granite countertop. It will chip or break if a heavy object falls on it – especially on the corners.

Durability is another category in which quartzite and granite are pretty evenly matched. 

[get_quote]

Moisture Resistance 

If sealed correctly, your quartzite countertop will be moisture resistant. However, do not let water or any other liquids pool on the surface. The sealant does not last forever and you will need to reseal the countertop periodically. 

When granite is properly sealed, the material will also be resistant to moisture and staining. However, if you spill something on the surface and it is not properly sealed or it needs to be resealed, the liquid can sink down into the stone and cause it to be compromised.

Granite has a slight advantage in terms of moisture resistance. While both need sealing, granite does not require re-sealing as often as quartzite.  

Heat Resistance 

Unlike the countertop material it often gets confused with, quartzite is heat resistant. It will be able to withstand hot kitchen materials on its surface, although you should try to use trivets or hot pads whenever you can just to be safe. 

Granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials you can buy. Hot pots or pans placed on the surface will not cause any damages. While this may be the case, in the interest of exercising caution, you should try to use trivets or hot pads if you can. 

Both quartzite and granite are heat resistant, so either one will be a great choice if that is your determining factor.

Resale Value 

Having quartzite countertops can give your home increased value. The natural stone is highly sought after due to the qualities previously mentioned. As with any natural stone, if you take proper care of your quartzite countertops, any potential buyers will love to have the countertops as part of their home. 

Having natural stone always provides increased value and gives your home more appeal. Having granite countertops is no different, as many homeowners love to have the stone in their houses – especially in their kitchens. Homeowners typically recover 100 percent or more of the installation costs of the granite countertops when selling their home. However, a disadvantage is that granite is rising in popularity, meaning that it is beginning to lose the appeal of rarity it once had. In addition to this, if you have granite that is an unusual color, it may not stay in style forever. This may be just enough to give quartzite the slight edge in this category. 

Where Should I Have Quartzite in my Home? 

Quartzite will work well in many places throughout the home. This is due to its high-quality looks and superior durability. Although it will work in various places around the home, it may particularly interest you to install quartzite countertops in your kitchen. The kitchen typically sees a heavy amount of traffic, so you will need a stone that is durable for the countertops. There may be no better option for natural stone countertops in the kitchen than quartzite. 

[get_quote]

Where Should I Have Granite in my Home? 

Granite also works well throughout the home. Just like quartzite, you may receive the most benefit from having granite countertops in your kitchen. Granite will be able to sustain any wear and tear from the kitchen better than most other stones can. The primary reason is the material’s heat and stain resistance. When used in the kitchen, granite will require much less maintenance than most other stone countertops will. Granite can also be used as a table material, and you will be able to prepare food, eat and drink on the table because of the stone’s durability. 

Choosing to install quartzite or granite in your home will be one of the best investments you make. Either material will greatly benefit your home. These benefits range from purely aesthetic to financial gains. Regardless of which material you decide to purchase, this guide will provide you with the knowledge that you will need before making your final decision.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

Share: