06/08/2026
Quartz is the common name for the translucent silica dioxide crystals we’re all familiar with. Quartzite is the natural stone composed of quartz and other minerals.
And, in terms of countertops, the term quartz refers to engineered stone composed primarily of pulverized quartz crystals, resin, and pigment.
So, in terms of countertops, what are the pros and cons of each?
Engineered quartz
Being man-made, engineered quartz offers a consistency of design and color, allowing for seamless matching of countertops and slabs. It is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, and doesn’t require sealing, like natural stone does. And, though it often costs more than granite, it tends to cost less than natural quartzite.
Engineered quartz, however, has some drawbacks compared to natural stone. It’s not completely heat-resistant and it’s also not resistant to UV rays. Do not use bleach and acidic cleaners, as they can potentially damage engineered quartz.
Quartzite
We’ve talked about granite, we’ve talked about engineered quartz, now we’re going to talk about quartzite.
Quartzite is the name of the naturally-occurring stone, comprised of quartz crystals, mica, and a variety of minerals. Natural quartzite offers an infinite range of colors and patterns depending on where it was quarried and what minerals make up its composition.
The white base is the raw quartz crystals; the gray and brown is created by various “impurities” like iron oxides and organic material; the pinks and yellows are from iron oxide, and the red comes from either hematite or iron oxide. Those amazing emerald greens are formed by the presence of chlorite, serpentine, or iron, and the subtle blues are usually from inclusions of minerals like tourmaline.
Quartzite has become a fashionable favorite as it tends to have a more luxurious appeal, with the crystals giving it a depth unachievable in engineered quartz.
Quartzite is naturally heat-resistant, making it perfect for kitchens. No pot pads or trivets necessary. Quartzite needs to be sealed, but sealing quartzite countertops is a piece of cake, and they can be cleaned with regular soap and water.
It’s also resistant to UV rays and looks incredible in the sunlight.
The downside of quartzite is that it is more expensive than engineered quartz and granite, and its porosity can make it susceptible to spills. So make sure your quartzite is sealed and you clean up spills quickly so they don’t soak in.
