The Beauty of Quartzite Shines with a Little T.L.C

If you’re looking for a durable natural stone countertop that can last for decades, Quartzite is a great and beautiful choice. Similar in looks to marble, quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed deep in the earth’s crust when sandstone (silica) and quartz come together under tremendous amounts of heat and pressure. The empty grains of sandstone are filled with quartz, making the stone even harder and more durable. 

Quartzite has a unique color palette that varies between white and gray but can have many color variations depending on the rock’s mineral content. Impurities can lead to some pretty incredible patterns. It’s a versatile stone that works great with any style from modern and minimalist, industrial, and rustic-style kitchens. 
 
Besides being gorgeous, strong and durable, quartzite is very resistant to heat, stains, and UV light. It’s easy to clean with mild soap and water. And since it’s made of silica, it has a high resistance to anything acidic. But there are a couple of things you need to keep an eye out for and a few things you should do for a little extra T.L.C. 

 
Quartzite is also acid resistant however, there are many materials on the market that are a hybrid of quartzite and marble and may contain traces of calcium. Spilling citrus fruits, colas, wine, or tomato sauce could leave behind dull spots. If you go with quartzite, just be sure to wipe up any spills right away. 

Another issue that can occur, though rarely, with quartzite, is wicking. This happens when moisture gets trapped inside the slab. It typically happens during the cutting process. If water remains inside the slab, it will move to the edge of the stone in an attempt to evaporate. But the resin used to seal the countertop prevents the water from getting out, resulting in a damp look.  

Again, wicking only occurs in about 1 in every 100 slabs, and it typically only happens in lighter colored quartzites, so it’s not a major issue. But it’s good for homeowners to be aware that it can happen and understand how it can be prevented. 

There are a few things a fabricator can do to ensure that quartzite doesn’t experience wicking. First off, they should remove resin and mesh off of the back of the pieces before installing. If the stone is left upside down on a fabrication table, this will allow the water to escape. Fabricators should let the stone dry naturally and not use heat. This is just a temporary fix and the water will move to the edges again. 
If space is available, cut pieces can be left overnight in a controlled room with a dehumidifier overnight. 
Taking these measures could take a couple of days, but the brief delay will be well worth it to ensure beautiful stone that lasts a lifetime. 

If you have questions about quartzite or any other surfacing material, we are happy to help. Give us a call at 781-915-1250 or make an appointment to come by one of our New England showrooms and talk to our experienced stone and surfacing team.