Quartz vs. Quartzite: Pros Explain the Differences

We compare these popular (and often confused!) countertop surfaces.

People are often unsure of the differences between quartz and quartzite and that’s fair—you can’t spell quartzite without quartz, so most would assume they’re super similar. But in the world of countertops, they’re really not. We’ve discussed the differences between quartz and granite, but now we need to tackle the bigger (and possibly more perplexing) question: What is the difference between quartz and quartzite? With the demand for quartz growing, it’s especially important now to be able to distinguish them!

We asked Roy Viana, the natural stone and slab director at Daltile, for an overview of these materials, and he immediately pointed out the key difference between the two: “You have natural quartzite, which is a natural stone product, and then you have quartz, an engineered stone. I always refer to natural quartzite as what Mother Nature has given us and quartz as the man-made product,” he says.

Read on to learn more about each of these materials, how they’re produced, and how they hold up in most people’s homes.

Related: How to Choose the Right Kitchen Countertop for You

What is Quartz?

Here is where Viana elaborates even further on the source of the confusion. “The actual mineral quartz is used in the man-made product—the quartz [countertop] product contains the same mineral quartz found in natural quartz sites,” Viana explains. “So people say, ‘Well I’ve been told that quartz [counters] are made up of natural quartz.’ That part is true, but that’s also where the confusion comes in,” he adds.

Simply put, quartz is technically a readily available natural stone, but it’s transformed into “engineered stone" for countertops by combining crushed quartz crystals with resin and synthetic additives like pigments. The artificial components make up roughly 10 percent of the countertop makeup—the rest is crushed quartz.

What is Quartzite?

If you want something straight from the ground, in its pure state, then quartzite is for you. Quartzite is a natural stone that forms when sand-sized quartz grains, also called sandstone, undergo intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust.

“This process transforms the sandstone into a harder and denser rock, giving it its unique characteristics,” explains Corbin Clay, custom home builder and CEO of Wayhome, a service that offers virtual expert advice for home improvement, repair, and DIY projects. Viana adds to this, “You have this phenomenon with natural quartzites because of how they’re formed—there are other minerals that mix in together to create a different visual that you don't see in granite, for example. You get a lot more movement. You don't necessarily get all the black mica that you see in granite.” The result? More of that prized marble look—but less fragile.

Appearance

Like we mentioned earlier, quartzite is available in a variety of lighter colors, compared to other stones like granite, and can actually look quite similar to marble. Clay says, “Each slab of quartzite is one of a kind, and they can resemble other natural stones, including marble and sandstone.”

Quartz, on the other hand, can look pretty much like anything you want it to because it’s engineered. One of “the outstanding features of quartz include the virtually unlimited availability of colors and designs,” Viana says. He continues, “For example, with quartz, you can add gorgeous marble looks to your home’s design in a material that stands up to real life activity, perfect for kitchens.”

If you think you can tell apart a quartz countertop from a quartzite countertop, think again: Technology has gotten pretty good, and usually, only a highly trained eye might be able to discern the veining in quartz is not genuine. And according to Viana, “During fabrication, the edges of quartz can be finished off just like natural stone, helping to ensure that the installed quartz is virtually indistinguishable in most cases from the natural material it is emulating.”

Durability

Quartzite is incredibly resistant to scratching and heat, though because it’s a natural stone, it’s porous and therefore susceptible to staining if not sealed properly or regularly. Quartz is also quite heat and scratch-resistant, but unlike quartzite, requires no sealing on the homeowner’s part because it’s not porous.

Hardness

When comparing the two, quartzite is technically harder than quartz. (For more context, one of the only stones harder than quartzite is diamonds. Quartzite is harder than its natural counterparts granite or marble, and it's harder than engineered stones like quartz.) So quartzite might hold up a little better against scratches. Thanks to its resins, quartz is more “flexible” though, making it less prone to chipping or denting.

Heat-Resistance

Quartzite can also withstand higher temperatures than quartz can—afterall, the resins in quartz are not produced in the flaming hot crust of planet Earth the same way that quartzite is! Quartzite can naturally tolerate way hotter temperatures. That being said, quartz can still handle heat in most average, real-life scenarios, though most people wouldn’t put hot pots and pans directly on their countertops, no matter the material, anyway!

Maintenance

As we mentioned, quartzite requires regular sealing because it’s a porous material. “The slabs are typically treated with a penetrating sealer, which fills the stone's pores, helps repel liquids, and needs to be reapplied periodically,” Clay explains. This can mean every one to three years but confirm with your installer the exact timeframe and the best product. He advises that it’s a good practice to regularly check the sealant’s effectiveness by performing a water test to determine if your countertops need resealing. If water drops are absorbed and darken the stone, it's time to reseal. Quartz does not need any resealing or follow-up treatments.

Cleaning

As for cleaning, both countertop materials are fairly simple to keep up. Often, just a mix of water and a tiny bit of dish soap will do the trick. Mild detergents might also be okay, but confirm with your installer what’s safe on your stone. You shouldn’t use abrasive cleaners on either, but especially quartzite. Even vinegar might be too harsh on your quartzite counters, as etching is a concern. Viana says, “I typically don't recommend it, because each natural stone has a ‘makeup’ and sometimes, even within the same stone lot, it can react a little bit differently [to vinegar]. If there's something that you can’t clean with warm water or mild soap, then that's when you would go to a specialized quartzite cleaner. But I generally stay away from recommending vinegar.”

Related: How to Clean Every Type of Countertop: Marble, Quartz, Butcher Block, and More

Cost

According to Clay, there are several factors that influence a countertop’s pricing but quartzite is often a more expensive option given its scarcity. Quartz can be manufactured to order, while quartzite is only found in certain parts of the world (mainly Brazil). There are price estimates available though if you need ballpark figures. According to 2023 data from Angi, the cost of quartz countertops per square foot ranges from about $50 to $200 per square foot, while quartzite countertops cost $80 to $220 per square foot.

Viana points out that you don’t have the high-end selections within the quartz category the way you do with natural quartzite. “That will tip the scales when I am asked that [pricing] question. There's definitely not a ‘low-end’ in natural quartzite, but there is a low-end, entry-level in quartz.” Essentially, if you want a broader, more inclusive price range, then consider quartz.

Lifespan

Overall, both perform really well over time and don’t usually need replacing, according to Viana. “They'll stay longer than the homeowner!” he jokes. But quartzite does edge out quartz slightly in terms of longevity, if properly maintained and sealed. (Makes sense—lots of natural stones have been hanging out, unquarried, for thousands of years.) He also notes that there’s a chance the resins in your quartz may gradually discolor a bit. This is not something that happens naturally to quartzite.

Which is Better?

This question really depends on your lifestyle and what you're looking for. Viana and Clay both agree that the visual differences between the two are quite close now thanks to technology. However, Viana says, “Natural quartzite does come in a much broader, dynamic color range—in naturally greens, blues, and reds that, yes, you can find in man-made quartz. But generally not with the depth and the detail that you get from Mother Nature.”

If you’re a die-hard purist with a broad budget who doesn’t mind a tiny bit more upkeep and maintenance, then quartzite could be for you. If you’re all about a low-maintenance lifestyle, or you need to stay within a certain price point, then look into quartz. (Viana points out though quartz is only recommended for indoor use so skip it if you’re building an outdoor kitchen.)

Related: 12 Kitchen Countertop Ideas That'll Make You Want to Remodel

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