Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is quickly becoming the gold standard for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing kitchen workbench that can withstand a lot of abuse. It is a good option for those who want the look of marble or dolomite but prefer the hardness of granite. Quartzite is actually tougher than granite, and some varieties are translucent, so they don’t need sealing like other stones.
In your home, its distinctive show of colors and patterns is eye-catching, but its longevity ensures that it will last for years. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is found in abundance. When heat and stress are applied to a quartz bead, sandstone, or chert, it becomes unmade. Quartzite is usually made up of more than 90 percent quartzite. Some are even made of 99 percent. Quartzite has a glassy appearance and can resemble marble in some situations. In general, quartzite is the most common countertop material due to its desirable appearance.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is completely made up of the mineral quartz. Quartzite starts its existence on Earth as sand grains, perhaps on beaches, desert dunes, or riverbanks. Sandstone is formed when sand grains are compressed and clumped together over time. Deep sandstone, which is cooler and more compact, is embedded underneath the rock layer. The sand grains lose their original shape and are welded together with neighboring sand grains to form a dense and sturdy rock when enough heat and pressure are applied. Individual glaciers fusing into hardened glacier ice is a similar process.
How are Quartzite countertops made?
Quartzite countertops are made after natural stone slabs are extracted and carefully cut to ensure aesthetic appeal. However, most quartzite is too brittle to be used as a countertop’s raw material; without adhesive, it absorbs liquids quickly. As a result, polyurethane, wax, or acrylic are often used to coat countertops.
Quartzite countertops are made of a risky natural stone that has been cut to the proper size. Quartzite is a naturally occurring mineral. It takes the form below ground as high pressure and temperature disrupt quartz-rich sandstone, which is then mined and cut into slabs.
Why should you buy Quartzite countertops?
Quartzite is a perfect choice for those who like the look of marble but don’t want to pay extra for their countertops. Some look so much like marble that it’s difficult to tell them apart. Many quartzite slabs branded as “soft” can be found in stores. Probably because they resemble marble in appearance and wear. They’re what they’re made to be. The term “soft quartzite” does not exist.
Furthermore, quartzite is becoming more common among homeowners and interior designers due to its sophisticated appearance, natural strength, and ease of upkeep. It comes in a variety of finishes, including leathered, honed, and polished, making it ideal for both modern luxury spaces and rustic kitchens and bathrooms. The crystalline gleam of quartzite turns kitchen countertops, work surfaces, tables, and feature walls into practical and elegant showpieces.
Quartzite is a tough, long-lasting material that can withstand everyday wear and tear. It’s also a good option for kitchen countertops and vanities because it lasts longer and doesn’t break or layer with use. It is well worth the investment if you have a large family or spend a lot of time in the kitchen then you would not have to worry about maintaining or destroying your countertop.
Quartzite countertops can be anything you and your family want them to be, and they’ll remain fresh and luxurious with almost no upkeep. You will keep your quartzite gleaming and smooth for years to come if you use it properly every day.
FROM SAVONA BLOG
Maintenance
Quartzite is similar to granite in terms of maintenance. We suggest wiping down the counters with a mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth or paper towel on a regular basis. Simple precautions should be taken to protect quartzite countertops, just as they should be taken for every other surface. Clean up any spilled liquid or moisture as soon as possible, and use coasters.
Many people who are unfamiliar with how to clean quartzite counters are unaware that the sealant does not need to be fully removed in order to stain unhealthy natural stone. And if you leave the stain unwashed for a long time, the weakened sealant would not be able to tolerate liquids like tomato sauce or alcohol. Clean the quartzite counter to stop this. With a damp rag, wipe away stains as soon as possible. To clean on a regular basis, soak a mild soap in water before scrubbing with a towel.
Quartzite needs a little more tender loving care. Before using, it must be sealed and re-sealed once or twice a year. Stains may penetrate the stone if it is not properly sealed. Both natural stones, including granite and marble, have this flaw. Quartzite swatch cleaning is simple to do with proper sealing.
While a mixture of marble and quartzite does sometimes etch, quartzite is not susceptible to acids and does not etch. With hot pots and pans, it accepts heat without issue. Heatstroke cracks (sudden temperature changes) can happen, but they’re uncommon. Quartzite is the toughest countertop material available, resistant to chipping and scratching.
Since quartzite is porous and can absorb liquids and stains, it should be sealed as required. The frequency of reselling will range from once a year to many times a year, depending on the nature of the stone and sealer used. We suggest using a permanent sealer that only includes one application and then does not require often reapplication.
Appearance
Quartzite comes in a variety of colors, ranging from white to green. Iron oxide causes pink and red rocks to form. The presence of other minerals results in the formation of yellow, blue, green, and orange quartzite. Quartzite, regardless of color, has lines created by varying degrees of pressure in its composition and the presence of iron oxide or other minerals by accident.
Quartzite creates a beautiful appearance for your countertop. The appearance of stone has been compared to that of marble on several occasions. Owing to the contrasting appearance of quartzite and marble, many people have mistaken it for the latter. Quartzite, on the other hand, has practical benefits that marble does not.
Since quartzite is a natural stone, the form of your countertops can vary greatly. When you see the stone in person, however, you will have a better idea of what to expect. Quartzite comes in a number of shades. While most quartzites are white or light in color due to their quartz content, the rock may also have vibrant quartzite colors due to additional mineral inclusions.
Interior design has been more neutral and natural in recent years. Gray and white are the most common kitchen colors these days, particularly for countertops and backsplashes. Quartzite comes in a variety of colors, the most common of which are gray and white.
Natural stone
Quartzite is a type of stone that is found in nature. This meant it was dug up from the earth and cut from slabs by hand. Similarly, no two slabs are alike, so your countertops are exclusive to your kitchen. Natural stone, on the other hand, is more porous than engineered stone and should be sealed at least once a year.
Leave it to nature if you want your countertops to look and feel like natural surfaces. Quartz and other manufactured countertop materials can only imitate natural stone colors, luster, and patterns, whereas quartzite is the real deal. Quartzite is known for its distinctive curvature and patterns that mimic wood, marble, and water, and each stone slab is unique.
Highly resistant
Quartzite is a natural stone that resists heat, scratches, and etching. The countertops, on the other hand, are sealed. Seals, too, require care. If you scratch the countertop with your knife, the material will stay intact, but the seal is more likely to break. Tell your goodbyes to the sanitized board and wish the bacteria a happy day after it’s been broken.
Since quartzite is such a hard stone, it requires special care, such as the use of coasters and cutting boards. Etch resistance is a feature of quartzite countertops. This is crucial for those who despise the white spots that appear on the counter when lemon juice or other acids are spilled. When properly sealed, they also resist stains. Cutting boards and coasters should be used to secure the sealant from scratches and stains caused by direct heat.
Acids such as lemon juice or vinegar will not etch quartzite. It’s been mislabeled if a rock identified as quartzite gets etched from acid. These acids, on the other hand, can etch marble and dolomitic marble. Dolomitic marble is a little slower to etch than standard marble. Quartzite, on the other hand, will not etch when exposed to common kitchen acids. Not in the least!
Durability
Quartzite is a hard rock that can withstand a lot of abuse. It is much tougher than granite or steel, according to the hardness fascination scale. This ensures that your quartzite countertops will stay unaffected even though you might cut vegetables without cutting boards. Quartzite is more durable than granite because it is harder. It can withstand a lot of heat. Sharp objects can scratch quartzite countertop material, so a cutting board is needed.
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ll want countertops that can withstand anything, including the acids found in popular foods like lemons and vinegar. You don’t have to be concerned about them with quartzite because it is etching-free.
Quartzite is the most long-lasting countertop material available. Be cautious not to be careless, as quartzite countertops can be damaged if not handled properly. The primary factor that distinguishes quartzite as a better choice for kitchen countertops is its durability. Quartzite kitchen is better at controlling wear and tear and when you still need to be careful you don’t have to worry as much about the damage to the countertop as it does to the marble.
Quartzite countertops installation & sealing
Quartzite countertops, like granite, require skilled installation. You shouldn’t attempt to install a quartet countertop on your own. Hiring a specialist lowers the risk of damage to the countertop during installation.
Quartzite is a metamorphic sandstone that has been metamorphosed. Each quartz becomes more or less porous depending on the amount of mutation. The use of good sealers will help porcelain quartzites. Many modern sealers will last anywhere from one to ten years, and some are guaranteed to come off.
A manufacturer or stone supplier may provide detailed advice on selecting the right stone product. In general, keeping an eye on the area around the kitchen sink is the best way to tell whether the countertop needs to be sealed. If the stones around the sink have become blackened due to water, you can need a sealer or your current sealer may be ineffective.
Make sure the stones are swatch clean and fully dry before applying the sealer. Sealing with an insulated sealer purchased from a manufacturer or a large local store is a simple activity for most homeowners. If in doubt, contact a restoration specialist in your area.
Conclusion
Quartzite countertops are certainly worth considering for both- classic & elegant and modern & contemporary looks with very little maintenance. Take a look at our hand-picked selection of quartzite countertops.
Moreover, take a look at our blog post All you need to know about countertops before remodeling your kitchen if you are just beginning to plan your kitchen remodeling project. This comprehensive guide will undoubtedly assist you in choosing the best countertops for your kitchen and even your bathroom!
Request your free consultation today by contacting us. Our talented team will listen to your concerns, answer all of your questions, and make expert recommendations. You can also schedule a showroom appointment if you’re interested in seeing the best quartz countertops we have to offer.
If you live in New Jersey, we will happily provide you with our services in the areas of kitchen and bathroom remodeling, tile, flooring, and home improvement projects.
