Difference between quartz and quartzite

Quartz is less expensive.

Expect to pay $60 to $150 per square foot (installed) for quartz countertops and $70 to $200 per square foot (installed) for quartzite. The price difference is due to the increased complexity of transforming mined quartzite into slabs.

Heat Resistance: Like granite most quartzite is very heat resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans.

Will it Stain? All quartzites are different in terms of porosity and stain resistance, and some are more stain-resistant than others. They are not stain proof, but most are incredibly stain resistant.

Quartz Countertop Cleaners to Avoid

Most household cleaners you would usually use to do a quick clean with such as Windex, vinegar and Lysol wipes (some of which contain bleach) are not a good idea for quartz countertops. Vinegar is very acidic and can cause the quartz to discolour or disintegrate.

The most important thing to know is that you can not use chemical cleaners to clean the stone. Chemical cleaners such as Windex, 409 and Simple Green will strip the sealer away, leaving your surface unprotected.

“We recommend using a non-acidic, low pH cleanser such as mild soap and water or stone-specific cleaners easily found at your local retailer.” They also mentioned that not every quartzite has exactly the same makeup and you should always ask your sales rep if quartzite is right for your application.

When you are shopping for a quartzite cleaner, you need to use a low pH, non-acidic cleaner. The cleaner should not be abrasive or contain citrus or vinegar as these will damage the sealant and make the countertop more prone to stains. To reduce the risk of stains, you will need to perform daily maintenance.

The incredible strength of quartzite makes it one of the most durable natural stones available on the market. It resists heat and cold without cracking or sustaining other damage when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Quartzite is a luxurious stone which often tags it at a higher cost than granite, which is common. However, quartzite is well worth its weight in gold – literally. Other than price, color, and a little bit of durability; granite and quartzite are comparable.

Since quartzite is a much harder and more abrasive stone than any other natural stone, including granite, it takes more time to cut it and extract the blocks from the quarry. It also needs more diamond blades, diamonds wires, and diamond polishing heads, etc., which results in higher cost of inputs.

Quartzite tiles often have a wondrous sparkling texture as individual quartz pieces recrystallize in high heat. Its incredible strength makes it ideal for flooring applications. Quartzite tiles is easy to maintain and are an environmentally conscious flooring option.

Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Ease of maintenance is the main advantage quartz countertops have over quartzite. In any event, as with all countertops, it is advisable to use cleaners designed for your type of surface.