Guide
What is quartzite, and is it the same as quartz?
Quartzite and quartz sound almost identical, and Guildford customers mix them up all the time. They are not the same. One is a natural rock with dramatic movement; the other is an engineered slab. Knowing which you are looking at saves expensive surprises.
Quartzite in one paragraph
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock. It began life as sandstone, and deep burial under great heat and pressure welded its quartz grains into one solid mass. The result is extremely hard, often with sweeping veins and soft colours that look a lot like marble.
Quartz in one paragraph
Quartz worktops are made in a factory from crushed quartz bound with resin. They are consistent from slab to slab and need no sealing, but the resin makes them less tolerant of heat and strong sunlight. See our quartz worktops page.
Why people choose quartzite
It gives the look of marble with much better resistance to scratches and, in a true quartzite, to etching from acidic food and drink. It also copes with heat far better than engineered quartz.
Beware of soft quartzite
Not everything sold as quartzite is the real thing; some are marble or dolomite, which mark and etch far more easily. Before you commit, ask to try two simple tests on a sample. First, drag the corner of a glass tile across it; true quartzite scratches glass. Second, put a few drops of lemon juice on it and wait a few minutes; true quartzite will not dull.
Caring for quartzite
Quartzite is natural stone with tiny pores, so it is sealed after fitting and resealed from time to time, usually less often than granite. Clean it with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.
Common questions
Is quartzite harder than granite?
True quartzite is generally harder than granite. Soft stones sold as quartzite are not, which is why testing a sample matters.
Can I get a quartz that looks like quartzite?
Yes. Many quartz designs imitate the veining of quartzite and marble, with no sealing needed.
Get a worktop price
Phone us, or give us your number for a call back and a price.
- Rough lengths, or a sketch
- The stone or colour you like
- Your sink, tap and hob if chosen
Related worktops
Quartz worktops
Engineered stone with a steady colour and nothing to seal.
Granite worktops
Quarried stone that copes with heat. No two slabs alike.
Marble worktops
Classic veined stone that wears in rather than out.
More guides
Quartz vs granite: how to choose
The two most asked-about stones, compared honestly.
Silica in quartz worktops: what homeowners should know
What the silica headlines mean for your kitchen.
Limescale and stone worktops in a hard-water area
How each stone copes with Surrey’s hard water.
How templating and fitting work
The steps from quote to finished kitchen, and what to have ready.
What decides the price of stone worktops
Why quotes differ, and how to compare them fairly.
Ask for a free quote
Pop your number in and we will ring to go through the job and give you a price. Or call 01483 694680.