Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock formed from sandstone. After naturally being subjected to extreme heat and pressure by the earth’s tectonic plate movements, quartzite is mined and then cut into slabs. Finally, it is polished and sealed to make it ready to be used as a countertop.
Thanks to being a natural stone, each quartzite slab comes in various shades and patterns, making each one of a kind. Although white and light gray shades are typical quartzite colors, hues of other colors, such as green, pink, yellow, and blue, can also be found on these countertops.
Quartzite countertops come with many advantages that make them preferable for homeowners. Here are the main benefits of quartzite countertops:
Durability: Like many natural stones, quartzite is a solid stone, which makes it an excellent choice for being preferred as kitchen countertops. As long as you maintain them carefully, you will be able to use your quartzite countertops for a very long time.
Resistance to Heat: Compared with quartz countertops, quartzite countertops are more resilient to heat and less likely to fade because of sunlight. However, you should still avoid placing hot pans and baking dishes directly on them to keep your quartzite countertops in their best form.
Resistance to UV Lights: Quartzite is UV-resistant, meaning you will not have to deal with any discoloration over your quartzite surface when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Besides, its UV resistance makes quartzite countertops suitable for outdoor use, too.
Resistance to Scratches: Quartzite is highly resistant to scratches. Although you do not have to worry all the time about causing permanent damage to your countertops just by cooking and preparing, you should still avoid placing heavy items on them.
Easy to Clean: Although it is porous, quartzite is still an easy-to-clean material. You do not even need to use fancy cleaners. Soap, water, and a soft cloth will be enough for your regular cleaning.
Elegant Appearance: As a natural stone, quartzite adds elegance, natural beauty, and luxury to your kitchen. Although it does not offer many color options as quartz does, it provides uniqueness and personality to your interior design.
Although quartzite countertops have countless advantages, they also have some drawbacks to consider:
Regular Maintenance: Since quartzite has a porous surface as a natural stone, it requires annual maintenance to keep it free from permanent damage. You should seal your quartzite countertops once or twice per year to avoid stains and bacterial growth.
Prone to Stain and Bacterial Invasions: Quartzite’s porous surface absorbs water and grease and becomes sensitive to stains and bacterial invasions unless sealed regularly and adequately.
Limited Color Range: Although it offers unique patterns and hues, quartzite has a limited color range.
More Expensive: Compared to many other countertop materials, quartzite ones are more expensive. Besides, natural stones require more labor and proficiency during the installation process, which also is an element that increases the cost of quartzite countertops.
As one of the most popular natural countertop materials, quartzite has countless advantages, making it a perfect option for many homeowners. From its incredible resistance to elegant beauty, there are many reasons to choose quartzite as your countertop material.
