The main image is courtesy of Decolores, which features their Fusion quartzite displayed in dramatic fashion as bookmatched wall cladding.

Choosing surface materials during a home renovation project requires that you prioritize functionality, durability, maintenance, budget and aesthetic appeal, based on your needs.

For decades, homeowners and designers have overwhelmingly gravitated toward marble and granite for luxury kitchen and bathroom remodels. They have sought natural, unique stone with a luxurious look and feel that is resilient to everyday usage.

Today their options have broadened with Quartzite, a naturally occurring stone that provides even stronger resilient qualities than granite and marble, with equally brilliant aesthetics and comparable pricing.

Quartzite offers a blend of durability, heat resistance, colors, and natural veined beauty, making it an emerging popular choice for countertops, flooring, wall cladding, patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, and even exterior cladding.

To learn more about this exciting stone, we recently attended an educational session presented by Decolores, a Brazilian-based specialist in quartzite and natural stone, at the Southern California showroom of their reseller partner Elements Room® by Pacific Shore Stones. This was one stop of Decolores’ “Discover the Power of Quartzite” Stone Tour across the United States. Much of what follows in this article was gleaned from this presentation.

Read on to learn what every discerning homeowner will want to know about the unique beauty and traits of quartzite.

Table of Contents

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What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock with a strikingly beautiful appearance, often resembling marble, but more resilient and forgiving of household usage.

A close-up view of Cristallo Vitrum Premium quartzite. Image courtesy of Elements Room

A close-up view of Cristallo Vitrum Premium quartzite
Image courtesy of Elements Room

The metamorphic rock forms from sandstone under immense heat and pressure under the Earth’s surface. The resulting Quartzite is a hard, dense, durable stone that is perfect for any usage requiring a hard-surfaced material, for both indoor and outdoor.

Different types of quartzite by Decolores

Different types of quartzite based on metamorphism.
Image courtesy of Decolores

As quartzite is formed over millions of years — changing from sand grains to sandstone to grainy quartzite to denser crystalline quartzite — the only aspect of the stone that changes is how densely packed the grains become and the size of the pore spaces between the grains. The duration and force of the metamorphism directly impacts the porosity of the resulting quartzite.

Close-up view of Tempest Blue quartzite in Elements Room Burbank showroom

A close-up view of Tempest Blue quartzite
Image courtesy of Elements Room

Thus, there are two types of quartzite with slightly differing traits:

 

Grainy Quartzite

Grainy Quartzite refers to quartzite that retains a granular, sandstone-like texture, where individual quartz grains are visible and loosely bound by silica cement.

This appearance is the result of not having undergone as intense of a metamorphism as that of crystalline quartzite. Due to its milder metamorphism, grainy quartzite is generally more porous than crystalline quartzite.

Close up view of Mont Blanc quartzite. Image courtesy of Elements Room

Close up view of Mont Blanc quartzite.
Image courtesy of Elements Room

Because of its higher porosity, grainy quartzite requires regular sealing to prevent staining and absorption of liquids, with particular attention to the edges of the slab, after it has been fabricated.

Examples of Grainy Quartzite

Mont Blanc, Mykonos, Vento Cinza, and White Macaubas, are examples of grainy quartzite.

 

Crystalline Quartzite

Crystalline Quartzite refers to quartzite where quartz grains have undergone significant recrystallization, forming a dense, interlocking mosaic of quartz crystals. This aligns with metaquartzite, a fully metamorphic rock where the original sandstone structure is largely erased. Thus, crystalline quartzite is less porous than grainy quartzite.

Close up view of Taj Mahal quartzite at the Elements Room Burbank showroom

Close up view of Taj Mahal quartzite displayed at the Elements Room Burbank showroom

Examples of Crystalline Quartzite

The most popular example of a crystalline quartzite is Taj Mahal. Other examples of crystalline quartzite include Cristallo, Madreperola, Cielo, and Sea Pearl.

 

Quartzite vs. Quartz

Despite their similarly sounding names, quartz and quartzite are distinct materials.

Quartzite is a natural stone — nearly 100% natural quartz (SiO₂) — formed from sandstone, the result of millions of years of immense heat and pressure. Trace minerals (e.g. mica, feldspar, iron oxides) in some varieties, contribute to unique color and veining. Quartzite is quarried directly from the earth, cut into slabs, and then fabricated and polished for use.

Elements Room Tempest Crystal Quartzite backlit kitchen island application

Backlit Tempest Crystal quartzite kitchen island
Image courtesty of Elements Room

The stone’s composition depends on its geological source. Each slab is one-of-a-kind due to natural geological variations. Thus, quartzite is more prized for its rarity, strength, unique visual appeal, and timeless elegance.

Quartz, on the other hand, is actually an engineered man-made stone, the result of combining 90–95% crushed quartz crystals with 5–10% polymer resins, pigments, and additives. Quartz is known for a uniform, consistent appearance available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including solid colors, speckled designs, and simplistic marble-like veining.

Tempest Blue quartzite kitchen island. Image courtesy of Elements Room

Tempest Blue quartzite kitchen island.
Image courtesy of Elements Room

A key aesthetic distinction is that quartz lacks the organic variability that is the hallmark of quartzite’s natural beauty, and that of other types of natural stone. However, quartz is respected for its non-porous surface, customizable colors, ease-of-maintenance, affordability, and comparable durability.

Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone by Cosentino, are well-known producers of quartz surfaces.

Summary of Key Differences: Quartzite vs. Quartz

  • Composition: Quartzite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered (man-made)
  • Cost: Quartzite is typically significantly more expensive than quartz.
  • Appearance: Quartzite offers a unique, natural look with distinct veining patterns, while quartz comes in a wider range of colors and designs.
  • Durability: Quartzite is highly resistant to scratching, heat, and staining. The non-crystalline type is porous and requires sealing. Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, but it can be more susceptible to damage from high heat due to having a higher concentration of resin.
  • Maintenance: Non-crystalline quartzite requires regular sealing to prevent staining, while quartz requires no sealing.
Cristallo Venato quartzite kitchen island. Image courtesy of Elements Room

Cristallo Venato quartzite kitchen island.
Image courtesy of Elements Room

 

Why Quartzite? Why Now?

Quartzite has become increasingly popular as a luxury residential surface material over the last 10 years, as its availability has increased to meet the growing demand, thanks largely to improvements in extraction methods.

Decolores quartzite production process: a view of their Mont Blanc quarry in Brazil

Decolores quartzite production process: a view of Decolores’ Mont Blanc quarry in Brazil.
Image courtesy of Decolores

Technological developments in machinery, particularly those used for quarrying, have accelerated the extraction process, while other manufacturing advances have concurrently improved the quality and time-to-market of the finished product.

Quartzite, a metamorphic rock, is extracted from quarries using a combination of drilling, blasting, and cutting techniques. The process involves removing the surface layer, then either drilling and blasting, or using air cushion methods to separate blocks from the rock mass.

Declores Production Process: view of Mont Blanc quarry, blocks of quartzite and deliver truck

Declores production process: view of the Mont Blanc quarry, blocks of quartzite and deliver truck
Image courtesy of Decolores

Once freed, the massive blocks of quartzite are extracted from the quarry with heavy cranes. The blocks are then sorted by aesthetic traits and crushed — made into smaller blocks — prior to being delivered to specialty fabrication workshops.

Decolores production process of Mont Blanc quartzite with noticeable fissures.

A block of Mont Blanc quartzite received from the quarry at a fabrication shop.
Image courtesy of Decolores

Fabrication shops are where the stone is sawed into slabs using diamond multi-wire cutting technology. These specialty saws — also referred to as Diamond Coated Wire (DCW) machines — fulfill the critical job of cutting hard materials with extreme precision, by using diamond-embedded wires or ropes.

It is this prized hardness and durability of quartzite that make for the challenges in bringing this precious stone to the marketplace.

Decolores Production Process view of Mont Black side view of resin and sealant

Decolores production process: side views of Mont Black with and without resin and sealant.
Resin fills fissures, while sealant covers pores.
Image courtesy of Decolores

One of the final steps of the fabrication production process involves treating natural cracks and holes that are inherent traits of quartzite slabs. Fractures, fissures and holes need to be infused with resin before the finishing step. Resin improves the overall surface finish, provides stain protection, and strengthens the structural cohesiveness of the slab. Fiberglass mesh is also affixed to the underside of the slab to add further strength to the quartzite and make it more resistant to cracking.

Three types of quartzite finishes offered by Decolores: Polished, Honed, and Leathered

Three types of quartzite finishes offered by Decolores: Polished, Honed, and Leathered.
Image courtesy of Decolores

The last step is adding a finish (e.g. Polished, Honed, or Leathered).

Decolores production process of Mont Blanc quartzite: Raw slab vs Polished slab

Decolores production process of Mont Blanc quartzite: Raw slab vs Polished slab
Image courtesy of Decolores

Decolores, an innovative leader in the quartzite industry, leverages the following advanced manufacturing capabilities:

  • Diamond multi-wire cutting technology
  • Exclusive protection machinery (TS40) used during the production process
  • UV accelerated aging chambers
  • Petrographic microscopes
  • Automated resin lines
  • 20-head polishing machines
  • Sustainable manufacturing practices, such as water recycling and waste reuse

In short, 20 years ago, the extraction technology necessary to manufacture quartzite efficiently and responsibly simply did not exist.

A beautiful slab of Tempest Blue quartzite on display at the Elements Room Burbank, California showroom. Image courtesy of Elements Room

A beautiful slab of Tempest Blue quartzite on display at the Elements Room Burbank, California showroom.
Image courtesy of Elements Room

 

Comparison of Quartzite, Marble and Granite

Although most homeowners have been given the choices of marble and granite for luxury, resistant surfaces, few have had the privilege of perusing installments of quartzite slabs. As more information emanates about the improved qualities of quartzite over marble and granite, we believe that this situation will soon change.

Decolores Stone Tour Presentation: Comparing Aesthetics of Quartzite to Granite and Marble

A comparison of aesthetics between Quartzite, Granite and Marble.
Image courtesy of Decolores

A simple table of trait comparisons illustrates why quartzite is becoming the preferred natural stone choice for luxury residential applications:

Comparison of Quartzite, Granite, and Marble for Home Renovations
Trait Quartzite Granite Marble

Hardness (Mohs Scale)

A standard kitchen knife has a hardness of 5

7-8

Crystalline Quartzite: 7-8
Grainy Quartzite: 6.5-7

 6-7 3-5
Fabrication Cutting Time 20 hours 8 hours 4-5 hours
Aesthetic Qualities Crystalline sparkle, often mimics marble; common colors: white, gray, beige, pink, blue, green (e.g., Taj Mahal, Macaubas); neutral to exotic colors; light to heavy veins; Speckled or mottled patterns; common colors: black, gray, white, red, green, blue (e.g., Black Pearl, Uba Tuba) Elegant veining, luxurious look; common colors: white, gray, black, green, pink (e.g., Carrara, Calacatta)
Mineral Composition Essentially composed of quartz. Accessory minerals will bring exotic colors. Composed of feldspar, quartz, and biotite Calcite and dolomite are the main minerals
Resistance to Acids High; excellent resistance to etching from acidic substances like lemon or vinegar. Grainy varieties require sealer application, however. High; generally good resistance to acids, though some varieties may be slightly susceptible and need sealing. Low; sensitive and prone to etching from acidic substances. Prolonged contact with acidic substances will leave a dull area.
Resistance to Staining Moderate to high with proper sealing; less porous than marble High with sealing; low porosity when sealed Low to moderate; highly porous, stains easily without sealing
Ease of Maintenance Moderate; requires regular sealing (every 6-12 months), easy to clean with mild soap Moderate; needs periodic sealing (every 1-2 years), durable and easy to clean High maintenance; frequent sealing (every 6 months), susceptible to scratches and stains
Cost Moderate to high ($60-$120 per sq. ft. installed); varies by rarity and source.  Light neutral colors tend to cost less, while more exotic colors and patterns cost more. Moderate ($40-$100 per sq. ft. installed); depends on type and origin Moderate to very high ($50-$150+ per sq. ft. installed); premium for high-end varieties like Calacatta
Most Popular Applications Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, outdoor kitchens, interior wall cladding Kitchen countertops, bathroom floors, backsplashes, outdoor surfaces Bathroom walls, floors, vanities, decorative accents, fireplace surrounds
Mohs Scale of Hardness. Presented by Decolores Stone Tour Presentation

Mohs Scale of Hardness: Comparing the hardness of Quartzite, Granite and Marble.
Image courtesy of Decolores

 

Pros & Cons of Quartzite

Colorful Polaris Gold quartzite bookmatched wall cladding. Image courtesy of Elements Room

Dramatically colorful wall cladding featuring bookmatched Polaris Gold quartzite.
Image courtesy of Elements Room

Pros

  • Beauty: Quartzite offers a unique and natural appearance with bolder variations in color and veining than marble
  • Dramatic Wall Art: Bookmatched slabs of exotic quartzite make a stunning visual statement, with backlighting capabilities adding to the effect
  • Durability: Quartzite is exceptionally durable, resisting scratches, stains, and heat.
  • Versatility: countertops; kitchen walls; shower walls; interior floors; pool/fountains; exterior walls; exterior floors; shower floors; art installations
  • Outdoor Applications: Crystalline quartzite is well-suited for a wide-range of outdoor applications: outdoor kitchen countertops; patios and walkways; pool surrounds; exterior cladding; and outdoor bars
  • Heat Resistant: Quartzite can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for direct contact with hot pots and pans.
  • Stain Resistant: While it’s recommended to seal it periodically, quartzite is generally resistant to stains.
  • Low Maintenance: Crystalline quartzite is non-porous, whereas grainy quartzite will need to be periodically sealed. Both types of quartzite are relatively easy to clean and maintain with soap and water.
  • Sustainable: Quartzite is durable, long-lasting and can be recycled and requires fewer resources than does engineered surface materials, such as quartz.
Example types of quartzites manufactured by Decolores

Example types of quartzites manufactured by Decolores, left to right: Mont Blanc, Splendido, Ijen Blue, Bronzite, and Da Vinci
Image courtesy of Decolores

Cons

  • Cost: Like most natural stone surfaces, there is a broad range of costs, depending on the underlying variables. However, quartzite is generally on par in terms of cost with high-quality marble, and only slight more costly than high-quality granite
  • Sealing: Grainy quartzite is porous and needs to be sealed periodically to prevent stains and moisture absorption.
  • Installation: Quartzite can be challenging to install due to its hardness and the need for professional expertise, especially when cutting, as the hard stone can wear down cutting tools.
  • Market Confusion: Consumers interested in purchasing quartzite need to conduct business solely with reputable quartzite resellers, as less reputable dealers have been known to label certain types of softer stones, such as marble, as quartzite or “soft quarzite” which does not exist.

 

Common Misperceptions About Quartzite

To avoid issues, homeowners should research specific quartzite types, test slabs for porosity (e.g. with a water or lemon juice test), and ensure proper sealing and maintenance. Consulting with knowledgeable and reputable professionals during the selection and installation process will also clarify your understanding and performance expectations. The Use Natural Stone website, managed by the Natural Stone Institute, is also an invaluable resource for deepening your knowledge about all types of natural stone and finding answers to specific questions.

 

Misleading Labeling by Resellers

The most important item to clarify before purchasing a slab of quartzite is to ensure what you are purchasing is accurately labeled as quartzite. This will not be an issue at highly reputable resellers who source from respected manufacturers. However, there is often confusion in the marketplace due to misleading labeling. One example of misleading labeling is the practice of marketing dolomite marble as “soft quartzite”. There is no such thing as “soft quartzite”!

 

Misunderstanding Etching and Staining

Some homeowners confuse etching (a chemical reaction that dulls the surface, often caused by acidic substances) with staining (absorption of liquids causing discoloration). Quartzite is not prone to etching, while its susceptibility to staining depends on the stone’s porosity and sealing frequency. Stains occur in natural stone when liquid seeps into unsealed pores.

 

Resistance to Acids

Quartzite does not etch from normal kitchen acids, such as lemon juice or vinegar. If a stone slab labeled as quartzite becomes etched from acid, then it has been mislabeled. An etched stone labeled as quartzite is likely dolomitic marble, which etches slightly more slowly than regular marble.

 

Quartzite is Indestructible

Quartzite is not bulletproof, so it’s imperative to use it responsibly. Wash with water, mild soap or stone cleaner regularly.

Dropping a heavy, hard object on a piece of quartzite could damage it, for example. The hardness of quartzite, and all nature stones, pertains to a surface’s resistance to being scratched and not its impact resistance, which can cause chipping.

 

Inconsistent Naming Conventions

The names used for quartzite styles, names and colors are not universal across suppliers and resellers. Therefore, we strongly recommend sharing color palettes and inspiration photos to indicate the styles and colors you are seeking.

Adding to the confusion, several manufacturers of manmade quartz countertops use the same names of natural stones, for their engineered products. Mont Blanc, for example, is often used by quartz manufacturers.

 

Quartzite is Always Non-Porous

There’s a misconception that all quartzite is completely non-porous. In reality, quartzite’s porosity varies by type (grainy or crystalline) and individual slabs. Some types and individual slabs are denser and less prone to absorbing liquids, while others are more porous and require diligent sealing to resist stains. Conducting a water test on a sample piece of quartzite is the best way to judge the porosity of a given slab.

 

Quartzite is Heat-Proof

While quartzite is heat-resistant due to its natural composition, it is not entirely heat-proof. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g. placing a hot pot directly on the surface) can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or discoloration in some cases. Therefore, consistent use of trivets and heat-resistant coasters and placemats are always a sound practice.

 

All Quartzite Performs the Same

Homeowners may assume all quartzite slabs are equally durable or suitable for their needs. However, quartzite varies in hardness, porosity, and quality depending on its geological makeup, quarry source and fabrication process.

 

Recommended Kitchen & Bath Reading

 

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