Quartzite and granite are both incredibly strong natural stone materials that make beautiful countertops. At first glance, they might seem similar – each is quarried from the earth and each can feature stunning patterns. However, they do have differences in composition and performance that could influence your choice.

Geological Background

• Granite countertops: Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it forms from cooled magma (lava) beneath the earth’s crust. It’s composed mainly of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. These give granite its signature speckled or granular appearance.

• Quartzite countertops: Quartzite is a metamorphic rock. It originates as sandstone that over time (and under heat and pressure) transforms into a much harder rock. It’s composed almost entirely of quartz crystals fused together. This process gives quartzite a crystalline sparkle and often a streaked or veined pattern if other minerals are present.

Appearance

• Granite’s Looks: Granite usually has a multi-colored, speckled look due to its mix of minerals. For example, a classic granite like “Santa Cecilia” has yellow-beige background with black and burgundy flecks. Some granites have bigger mineral patches, like “Blue Pearl” which has large blue iridescent chunks. Others are more uniform or finely speckled, like “Black Pearl” or “White Mist.”

• Quartzite’s Looks: Quartzite often has a soft, streaky or bold veined look. Many quartzites are light in color – white, gray, light beige – with darker or contrasting veins (making them resemble marble). For example, “Super White” quartzite (a very popular one) is gray and white banded. “Taj Mahal” is a warm beige with subtle white veins.

Hardness and Durability

• Granite Hardness: Granite is very hard and durable, rated about 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It resists scratching from normal kitchen use. You’re not likely to scratch a granite counter with knives, though as always, use cutting boards to be safe.

• Quartzite Hardness: Quartzite is even harder – often around 7-8 on the Mohs scale. It’s one of the hardest countertop options available. This means scratching or etching is pretty much a non-issue. It’s extremely scratch-resistant, more so than many granites. Quartzite won’t yield easily to everyday wear. Like granite, it’s also very heat-resistant. You can consider it similar to granite in that regard or even a bit better.

Porosity and Staining

• Granite Porosity: Granite is a porous stone, meaning it can absorb liquids if left unsealed. Some granites are very dense and almost don’t need sealing (e.g., black granite is typically very dense), while others are more absorbent. A good penetrating sealer will fill those pores and give you time to wipe up spills. With sealer, granite resists stains well. But if, say, cooking oil is left on unsealed granite overnight, you might get a dark spot.

• Quartzite Porosity: Quartzite is also porous to some extent. Many quartzites are quite dense – on par with or even denser than granite – but it varies by stone. You should also have quartzite sealed. It, too, will then resist staining. Some quartzite owners report almost no issues with staining, perhaps because quartzite’s structure is tightly bound quartz crystals. However, certain quartzites, especially lighter ones, could potentially absorb a bit if not sealed.

Etching by Acids

We mentioned in earlier articles: marble etches from acids. How about granite and quartzite?

• Granite: Granite does not etch from acidic foods/cleaners. You can squeeze lemon on granite or spill wine; it won’t leave a dull spot (just might leave a stain if not cleaned, but no surface eating). Granite’s makeup doesn’t react strongly with acids.

• Quartzite: Quartzite is similarly resistant to etching. It’s mostly quartz, which doesn’t chemically react with acids in kitchen-level concentrations. Some quartzites might have trace impurities (like a bit of calcite) that could etch in a rare case, but generally quartzite is considered safe from etching.

Cost and Availability

• Granite Costs: There is a wide range. Some common granites are relatively affordable (one reason granite became so popular is some varieties are cost-effective). You can find granite at lower price points than most quartzites.

• Quartzite Costs: Generally, quartzite tends to be priced higher. It’s considered a premium category. Partly because many quartzites are imported in smaller quantities and the demand is high for those marble-look stones with granite performance.

When to Choose Granite vs. Quartzite

Often it comes down to the specific slab. Many clients come in thinking “maybe granite” and then they see a quartzite slab like Taj Mahal and change course (or vice versa).

At Design Granite & Marble, we encourage you to browse both granite and quartzite selections. We can show you how each one would be fabricated and installed, and discuss any particular care instructions. Both of these stones are excellent choices for Chicago kitchens and bathrooms because of their ability to handle heavy use and still look gorgeous.