Quartzite vs Granite

Featured Image: Diamond Crystal Quartzite Kitchen Tabletop, Island, and Countertop from Arizona Tile

If your plan to use natural stone in your next home remodel, granite and quartzite are two materials you may be considering. Whether you’re upgrading countertops in the kitchen or bathroom or have another project in mind, these two options have their pros and cons. There are many differences between quartzite vs granite—here’s an in-depth guide to choosing the best natural stone for your style and needs.

Appearance & Colors

Both quartzite and granite are found in a huge range of patterns and color, which all depend on which minerals are present in that particular slab. Since they’re both a product of nature, they each offer a one-of-a-kind, timeless quality that’s sure to enhance any room of the home.

Depending on the aesthetic, colors, and patterns you’re looking for, one of these stones may be a better fit for you than the other. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between quartzite and granite when it comes to color range and appearance.

Image: Mont Blanc Satin Quartzite Kitchen Countertop with Flash Ivory 5 x 5 Backsplash from Arizona Tile

• Quartzite: Often found in neutral tones like cream, white, taupe or grey, quartzite is sometimes confused for marble. However, this beautiful and unique stone can actually be found in a wide range of colors including pinks, blues, golds, whites, beiges, and blacks.  It typically features sweeping or linear patterns, including veining which can range from subtle and diffused, as seen in Diamond Crystal, to bolder and more dramatic, like Blue Tahoe.

Image: Silver Lennon Granite Kitchen Island Countertop with Sink from Arizona Tile

• Granite: A classic choice for countertops, granite is a very recognizable stone that has a coarse-grained or speckled appearance depending on the variety. For example, Silver Lennon has a bold and granular pattern while Indian Premium Black features very subtle specks. These specks and grains are areas where different minerals, like quartz crystals, are present in the stone. As for color range, granite can be found in an amazing range of colors, from near white to solid black, and everything in between – Including some vibrant colors and stunning patterns, like Viscount White granite.

Uses

Looking for a natural stone that will stand up well in a busy kitchen or high-traffic bathroom? Granite and quartzite are excellent countertop options, as they both are amongst the hardest surfaces available and are incredibly heat-resistant. In residential and commercial projects, quartzite and granite are eye-catching – no two slabs will look alike.  They are also used for interior walls, fireplaces, and shower walls.

Image: Viscount White Granite Kitchen Countertop from Arizona Tile

Durability

Both granite and quartzite are quite similar when it comes to durability, with just a few minor differences:

• Scratch-Resistance: Both granite and quartzite are ideal for busy spaces, due to their extreme hardness and durability. They are both very resistant to scratching, scuffing and etching from normal use and are more durable than marble, another popular countertop material.
• Heat-Resistance: Granite is a very heat-resistant stone, and quartzite is considered the most heat-resistant stone available. However, it’s possible that the stones or their sealants could be damaged by extreme, direct heat exposure. For this reason, we recommend you use trivets or coasters to protect your natural stone countertops just in case.

Stain-Resistance: Granite and quartzite are two of the least absorbent and most stain-resistant stones on the market. Still, in order to maintain the longevity and beauty of your countertops, both of these surfaces should be properly sealed after installation.

Featured Image: Blue Tahoe Quartzite Kitchen Countertop and Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Maintenance & Care

Once sealed, granite and quartzite are both quite simple to care for. Keep your stone countertops looking their best by wiping them prior to cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner or warm water.

Whether you decide that granite is best for your needs or quartzite better suits your style, either of these stunning, one-of-a-kind stones is sure to look amazing in your space. At Arizona Tile, our team of experts is always available for a consultation to help you with the process of choosing the best natural stone for your project. Discover your favorite granite and quartzite varieties at one of our locations, or bring your ideas to life with our Just Imagine Visualizer and Online Slab Yard.