There are several natural and manmade options when it comes to selecting a hard surface for your project. In today’s blog we will discuss the difference between the ever-popular quartz and quartzite.

Quartz is an engineered or man-made product that is often specified because it can provide a consistent aesthetic. Made through a manufacturing process using ground quartz, resin, and pigments, engineered quartz is a highly durable and beautiful premium hard surface option available in many design styles, including natural stone-like looks and modern concrete colors. Engineered quartz is used in residential and commercial applications due to its ease of maintenance and resistance to heat, scratching, and staining.

Quartzite is a naturally occurring, metamorphic rock formed from Sandstone. When Sandstone comes into contact with magma buried deep within the earth’s surface, quartzite forms from natural quartz grain. Quartzite can be of exceptional strength, density, and hardness. Quartzite is highly sought after for kitchen countertop applications due to its similar veining and color palate to Marble, but with much higher resistance to everyday chemicals. Although all quartzites are not 100% non-porous, the abrasion resistance and weathering durability of quartzite allow for its use in almost any application. Quartzites with a honed finish require proper sealing.

The difference between quartz and quartzite is simple.

Quartz is an engineered, man-made product manufactured in a factory by combining elements of quartz, resin, and pigment. Alternatively, quartzite is a natural stone that forms 100% organically deep within the earth that is extracted in blocks by quarrying.

There are so many beautiful options to chose from, let us help you select the perfect hard surface for your next project!