Quartz and quartzite countertops have taken kitchens (and bathrooms) by storm.
Cyndy Cantleyis the co-owner ofCantley & Company,a cabinet and design firm located in Birmingham, Alabama.
What is Quartz?
Credit: Chris Edwards; Styling: Kendra Surface
Ten percent of quartz countertops are synthetic, while the rest of its makeup is ground quartz.
What is Quartzite?
They’re also a bit harder and resistant to scratching than quartz countertops.
Differences in Appearance
Quartzite is known for its all-natural veining that leaves no piece the same.
This makes quartzite come in a wider range of colors, too.
Quartz, however, has a more limited color palette of lots of whites and grays.
Veined quartz is still widely available, but the veining is synthetic rather than a product of Mother Nature.
However, quartzite is a little harder than quartz, making it slightly more durable over time.
Cantley also adds that “it is formed underground by intense heat and therefore very heat resistant.”
Differences in Maintenance
Quartzite requires resealing every year thanks to its porosity, says Cantley.
Quartz, meanwhile, requires no special care to clean.
Just a simple pass with a washcloth and a mild household cleaner after any use will do.
Quartz, meanwhile, costs around $60 to $150 a square foot.
If cost is a major part of your decision-making, quartz is the best pick.
If uniqueness and countertop aesthetics are your biggest priority, quartzite is what you’re looking for.
“Quartzite is naturally more classic,” says Cantley.
“Which makes it more in keeping with traditional interiors.”
But quartzite is a great outdoor countertop pick!
Its all-natural makeup means that it can essentially take whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
