Quartz Stone Kitchen Countertop

Quartz and quartzite countertops have hard, non-porous and durable surfaces that require low maintenance. Both surfaces are easy to keep clean and sanitary by using a soft cloth and household surface cleaner. However, there are a few differences between these countertops to consider before making a purchase. The main difference is the composition between the two surfaces.

Composition

Quartz is a hard mineral comprised of silicon dioxide and oxygen. A quartz countertop is created by combining 93 percent quartz with polymer resins and pigments. This man-made, engineered countertop is heat-, scratch- and chemical-resistant. The surface of quartz can be very smooth, making it highly desirable for countertop use. Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock composed of quartz grains and derived from sandstone. Quartzite countertops are slightly harder than quartz countertops, and are resistant to heat from pots and pans and most household acids. Many installers prefer working with quartz because it is more flexible to work with than quartzite.

Colors

Quartz countertops are available in a richer palette of colors and designs than quartzite countertops. Quartz has a multi-dimensional, gem-like color. Since quartz countertops are engineered, most colors can be brought out in the surface through pigmentation. They may be available in white, smoky yellow, pink, rose, violet, opaque, yellow and brown. Pure quartzite countertops are usually a snowy white or grey color. Quartzite may also be available in shades of pink, copper and red depending on the amounts of iron oxide in the stone.