Often called the “granite that looks like marble,” its durability and performance can range from that of a marble to granite, depending on the mineral content. Typically performs like granite but in some cases its composition can allow it to scratch, stain, or etch.
- Overview: Quartzite, which is predominantly silica, is a hard non-foliated metamorphic rock which was originally sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure related to tectonic compression. It's siliceous nature makes it a perfect choice for kitchen countertops because, chemically, it has a very high resistance to anything acidic.
- Appearance: Pure quartzite is usually white to gray, though quartzite often occurs in various shades of pink and red due to varying amounts of iron oxide (Fe2O3). Other colors, such as yellow and orange, are due to other mineral impurities.
- Beneficial Features: Quartzite is a decorative stone which is used for kitchen countertops, to cover walls, as roofing tiles, in flooring, and for stair steps. Quartzite is extremely popular due to its marble-like appearance and granite-like properties, which make it an ideal choice to be used in kitchens. Hardness of quartzite makes it extremely resistant to water absorption, heat, & scratches.
- Care Instructions: Use a stone sealant for an additional layer of protection. There are instances when a particular block of a quartzite can have traces of calcium carbonate, which can be a cause of localized etching if that particular section comes in contact with anything acidic. Quartzite, even in this situation, will give you more time to clean up before it starts to etch.