QUARTZITE COUNTERTOPS & SLABS

About Quartzite

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into Quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overall durability.

Differences from Quartz

The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone. A quartzite countertop begins as sandstone, which under a natural process of heat and pressure is fused with sparkly quartz crystals to form quartzite.

Quartzite typically comes in shades of white or light grey, but minerals in the stone can lend pink, gold, or reddish-brown hues.

A quartz countertop is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials, such as bits of glass. This process results in a very durable, non-porous countertop material that comes in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Aside from the different compositions of these two materials, the stylistic differences are quite striking as well. Quartzite is often mistaken for marble or granite, as it has the delicate veining of marble and similar coloration and patterning to some granites. Those seeking a natural look with lots of movement may prefer a quartzite countertop.

The Care and Upkeep of Quartzite

Every countertop calls for a different type of maintenance, and when it comes to natural stone, the care of quartzite will be as easy as granite. If you keep up with its manageable care, your countertop can last in your home for decades without ever needing to be replaced.

Taking care of quartzite is pretty straightforward. If you spill something, we recommend cleaning it up right away in order to avoid staining the stone. To do this, use hot water and a sponge. To protect quartzite’s sealant, you can use a countertop cleaner on your countertop from time to time—and to keep your countertop looking its best, you’ll want to keep up on the sealant.

Quartzite is formed under high temperatures, so it’s used to heat. Unless the heat is very extreme, quartzite remains heat resistant. But while you might not always need to use hot pads, we do recommend that you use coasters in order to avoid condensation from forming rings on granite’s surface.

Everyday Care and Maintenance

• Clean with soapy water and a soft cloth.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge for dried-up or heavy stains.
• Although it is stain resistant, it is not stain proof, so always clean up messes as soon as they happen.
• Quartz countertops are heat and scorch resistance up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but sudden temperature changes or sustained heat can cause the surface to crack. For this reason, it is always recommended to use a trivet or hot pad.
• Do not use bleach or other heavy cleaners.
• Sustained contact with direct sunlight can cause the surface to change color, so it is not recommended for outside use.

The

If you decide that quartz is the stone for you, contact us at Natural Gallery Kitchen & Bath for a consultation. Call us 919-878-1988 today, and make your kitchen counter installation a grand success!!