Quartz is an engineered or man-made product that is often specified because it can provide a consistent aesthetic. Made through a manufacturing process using ground quartz, resin, and pigments, engineered quartz is a highly durable and beautiful premium hard surface option available in many design styles, including natural stone-like looks and modern concrete colors. Engineered quartz is used in residential and commercial applications due to its ease of maintenance and resistance to heat, scratching, and staining.
Quartzite is a naturally occurring, metamorphic rock formed from Sandstone. When Sandstone comes into contact with magma buried deep within the earth’s surface, quartzite forms from natural quartz grain. Quartzite can be of exceptional strength, density, and hardness. Quartzite is highly sought after for kitchen countertop applications due to its similar veining and color palate to Marble, but with much higher resistance to everyday chemicals. Although all quartzites are not 100% non-porous, the abrasion resistance and weathering durability of quartzite allow for its use in almost any application. Quartzites with a honed finish require proper sealing.
Quartz is an engineered, man-made product manufactured in a factory by combining elements of quartz, resin, and pigment. Alternatively, quartzite is a natural stone that forms 100% organically deep within the earth that is extracted in blocks by quarrying.
Hand selecting only the top 1-3% of natural stone available, our natural quartzite is of exceptional quality and durability. In addition to our quality, our depth of in-stock quartzite slabs is second-to-none. To read more about how we select our natural stone slabs and what sets us apart, click here. We also stock the most premium brands and colors in engineered quartz, including Caesarstone, the world’s oldest and highest-quality quartz brand, and Diresco, a premium line of sustainable quartz. In addition, recent advances in manufacturing have opened the door to a wide variety of new engineered quartz patterns, including many with the look of marble. Our newest line of engineered quartz, Pure Surfaces, features eight different marble-like looks. From a calacatta or carrara look, and everything in between, these modern and chic engineered quartz countertops meet today’s design challenges and everyday life.
In conclusion, while one of these stones is a man-made, engineered stone (quartz), and the other a product of nature (quartzite), both are high-quality options depending on your project. Both quartz and quartzite are ideal hard surface options for kitchen countertops, bars, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, tables, and more. Choosing between these two slab options comes down to personal preference, aesthetics, and project requirements. Whether you select quartz, quartzite, or any of our other gorgeous stones, our stone specialists will assist you in finding the perfect hard surface for your project’s needs.
Visit any of our showrooms.
Locations & Inventory
If you are in the market for new and affordable countertops, then you are probably faced with making your first decision: choosing natural stone or quartz for your new project. Maybe you knew the difference before, and maybe you didn’t, but it’s important to know that there are some major differences between these two options. We will be discussing the differences between these two materials and the pros and cons of choosing either for your new countertops!
Quartz, in its natural state, is found in large crystals or small, sand-like grains. Once mined, the stone is mixed with man-made materials, like resin, which allows for a cleaner cut and more scratch and stain resistance. Quartz is one of the most popular materials for counters and backsplashes, due to its durability and antimicrobial, non-absorbent properties.
Natural Stone, as the name suggests, comes straight from the earth. Every piece of natural stone is truly unique and unlike any other! Natural stone, such as marble or granite, shows off distinctive and raw patterns that quartz can only mimic through man-made processes. If you are looking for a completely unique and eyecatching piece of stone, then natural stone is the choice for you.
In terms of durability, natural stone is considered more brittle than engineered quartz. Natural stone is also naturally more porous than quartz which means it can absorb liquids in the event of a spill. Before bringing natural stone into your home, you have to know how to properly seal and take care of your natural stone countertops. Sealing should take place every 1-2 years unless extreme wear and tear have taken place on the surface. It is also affected by acidic spills such as wine and juices. Any spills need to be cleaned up immediately so as not to permanently damage the stone.
Quartz countertops have the added benefit of being more flexible making them less likely to chip or crack. Quartz is non-porous and does not require any sealing – ever. These stones offer a virtually maintenance-free kitchen work surface! Due to the resin in quartz countertops, they can also be considered stainless. One drawback that you should definitely take note of is the quartz can discolor over time when exposed to direct sunlight. If part of your counter receives strong UV rays from the sun while another part doesn’t, over time you may see a color difference!
When it comes to appearance and style differences, it can be very subjective. Since Natural Stones are individually unique, it is impossible to have the exact same pattern or colors in the different pieces of your countertops if that is something you desire. With quartz, you are able to really pick and choose the color and pattern style of your countertops! Ultimately, there are many pros and cons to natural stone vs. quartz in terms of style and design. It is truly up to you and your personal taste or vision for your new countertops or remodeling project!
Both Natural Stone and Quartz are great options when it comes to your countertops, and choosing one over the other can come down to personal preference, budget, and lifestyle needs! Some homeowners swear by natural stone while others will tell you that you should only go with quartz. If you still aren’t sure which would be the best pick for you, contact Distinctive Marble & Granite! We offer a wide range of beautiful, unique options for affordable countertops – whether you choose granite, marble, or quartz! We would love to tell you more about the process for both quartz and natural stone countertops and help you determine which is best for you!