Quartzite has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability, natural beauty, and variety of colors and patterns. As a natural stone, quartzite offers unique characteristics that make it well-suited for the demands of a kitchen.
Introduction to Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is formed when sandstone is subjected to heat and pressure, causing it to harden into a durable material. It contains mostly quartz, along with other mineral impurities that give it varying colors and textures. Quartzite slabs are cut from quarried blocks of this natural stone for use as countertops and other surfaces.
Some key advantages of quartzite:
- Extremely hard and durable – withstands scratches, heat, and stains
- Available in a range of natural colors and patterns
- Resistant to acids and etching from kitchen use
- Non-porous so does not require sealing
- Can be honed for matte look or polished to glossy finish
With proper care and maintenance, quartzite countertops can last for many decades in the kitchen. Its rugged nature makes it well-suited for busy kitchen environments.
Strength and Durability
Two of the most prized qualities of quartzite are its superior strength and durability. With a Mohs hardness rating of 7-8 out of 10, quartzite is harder than granite. This extreme hardness makes it very resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. Heavy pots and pans or appliances will not damage a quartzite surface.
Quartzite’s density and compression strength also make it highly resistant to damage from impacts. It does not easily crack if heavy objects are dropped on it. This durability suits it for kitchens where cookware and appliances are constantly moved about.
Acids and chemicals have little effect on quartzite as it is non-porous and acid-resistant. This means it will not etch or stain easily when exposed to food prep spills like lemon juice, vinegar or wine. It can be used safely without worry around acidic foods.
For homeowners that want countertops that can stand up to years of regular use without showing signs of wear, quartzite is an ideal choice. Proper sealing provides extra protection against staining. With routine care, quartzite countertops will retain their like-new appearance for decades in even the busiest kitchens.
Natural Beauty of Quartzite
In addition to its strength, quartzite is valued for its beautiful natural patterns and colors. No two slabs of quartzite look exactly the same due to the random mineral deposits formed over millennia.
Quartzite comes in a diverse array of neutral, earthy hues like beiges, creams, whites, grays, and browns. banded mineral patterns are common and add depth and dimension to the surface. Metallic flecks of minerals like hematite, gold, and silver sparkle in the light.
The most common quartzite color is white, but some slabs display swirls of earthy tan, brown, and gray. Taj Mahal quartzite has delicate gray veining on a creamy white background. Other varieties include:
- Dolomite – white with gray banding
- Macaubus – bright white
- Nacar – white with faint gray veining
- Venetian Gold – gold/brown tones
The range of natural designs found in quartzite make it ideal for achieving unique looks not possible with man-made countertops. Homeowners can select slabs that match their taste and design aesthetic.
Ideal for Kitchen Counters
Kitchen counters see a lot of use and need to stand up well every day. Quartzite’s superior durability, stain resistance, and stylish natural beauty make it an excellent choice.
Heat Resistance – Since quartzite is non-porous, heat does not damage it easily. Hot pots and pans can be placed right on the surface without worry of cracking, discoloration or other damage. This heat resistance also offers more flexibility when installing as the material does not need to be sealed to resist heat damage from stovetops or ovens.
Stain Resistance – Spills like wine, coffee, and oil will bead up on quartzite rather than soak in and stain the surface. Its non-porous quality makes quartzite very stain resistant without the need for regular sealing.
Non-Reactive Surface – Quartzite is unaffected by exposure to acidic foods like lemon, vinegar or tomato sauce. No special precautions are needed when cutting and preparing acidic ingredients on a quartzite counter.
Easy Maintenance – Due to its durability and stain resistance, quartzite requires very little maintenance. It simply needs to be cleaned with soap and water periodically to maintain its beauty. No sealing or polishing is required.
Stylish Appearance – With mesmerizing natural designs in white, gray, gold, and other earth tones, quartzite offers a sophisticated and elegant look that enhances any kitchen decor.
Caring for Quartzite Counters
While quartzite is incredibly durable, proper care is advisable to keep it looking like new. Here are some tips:
- For daily cleaning, use mild soap and water or stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads.
- Disinfect surfaces occasionally with diluted bleach or stone disinfectant.
- Rinse off acidic spills like juice, wine or tomatoes immediately.
- Use trivets or mats under hot pots and pans.
- Avoid putting very hot items directly on the surface.
- Reseal quartzite every 1-2 years with a stone sealer.
- Use a cutting board for food prep instead of cutting directly on the counter.
With routine care and maintenance, quartzite counters will retain their original beauty and stand up to years of daily kitchen use. The natural strength and durability of this stone make it a smart investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartzite expensive compared to other countertop materials?
Quartzite is priced similarly to natural stone countertops like granite or marble, ranging from $60-150 per square foot installed. It is more expensive than engineered surfaces like quartz but comparable to other natural stone options. The cost depends on the specific quartzite variety chosen.
How heavy are quartzite countertops?
Quartzite countertops are quite heavy, averaging 15-20 pounds per square foot. Proper cabinetry support is vital to handle the weight load, particularly around cutouts for sinks. Hire an experienced installer familiar with natural stone countertop installation.
How thick should quartzite counters be?
A thickness of 3 cm (1.25 inches) is best for quartzite kitchen counters. Thicker 2 cm slabs are prone to cracking while thinner pieces lack the needed durability. 3 cm offers the ideal balance of strength and practical weight.
Does quartzite need to be sealed?
Sealing is not essential but recommended every 1-2 years for quartzite counters. Sealer adds extra protection from stains and etching. It also makes cleaning easier. Use a penetrating non-toxic sealer made for natural stone.
Is quartzite susceptible to scratches and chips?
Quartzite is very hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. While no stone is fully scratch-proof, quartzite holds up very well in kitchen environments. Use cutting boards to further prevent accidental damage from kitchen knives and tools. Small nicks can be sanded/polished out by a pro if needed.
Can you cut on quartzite countertops?
It is best to avoid cutting directly on quartzite. Always use a cutting board to protect from scratches, nicks and impacts that can damage any natural stone surface over time. The surface can withstand incidental contact but knifes and sharp objects will eventually cut into the stone if used repeatedly for cutting.
Conclusion
With its superior strength, hardness, and natural beauty, quartzite stands out as a unique and premium choice for kitchen countertops. Stain resistance, durability, and effortless maintenance make quartzite perfectly suited for the demanding kitchen environment. Beautiful natural patterns in white, gray, gold and other tones allow homeowners to achieve one-of-a-kind style. As a high-end natural stone option that will last for decades, quartzite offers the ideal blending of beauty, functionality and value.
