Cristallo quartzite: look, colours and how to backlight it
Cristallo quartzite is the stone for anyone who wants the glow of onyx with the toughness of quartzite. It has large areas of translucent crystal that let light through. Here is what it looks like, its varieties, how to backlight it and when to choose it over Taj Mahal.
What Cristallo quartzite looks like
Quartzite is a very hard rock made almost entirely of quartz. In Cristallo, that quartz forms large masses of white or milky crystal, sometimes almost clear, separated by darker veins. Hence the name: it looks like crystal. Held up to the light, the crystalline areas glow.
You will see the name spelled several ways, Cristallo or Crystallo, often with trade suffixes that vary by supplier. What matters is not the name but the actual slab.
Colours and varieties
Our catalogue has several: Crystallo and Crystallo White, in white and milky crystal; Crystallo Blue, with areas of intense blue and dark veins; and Crystallo Pink, with pinkish tones. Other crystal quartzites, such as Patagonia, play on the same effect with black and rust patches.
How to backlight it
- Choose the slab with light behind it. Not every area transmits light equally: clear crystal glows, dark veins do not. Ask for photos of the slab backlit.
- Thickness and backing. Backlit pieces are usually made from 2 cm (¾ in) slabs, often reinforced with mesh and resin or a clear backing. Your fabricator or panel installer will specify it.
- Even light. Diffused LED panels at a constant distance avoid hot spots. Warm or neutral light works best.
- Access to the lighting so it can be replaced in future.
More detail in our backlit stone guide.
Where to use it
- Backlit walls and panels in bathrooms, living rooms or receptions.
- Bars, counters and islands, lit or unlit.
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops: as a quartzite, it handles daily use far better than onyx. Always check the slab: crystalline areas can have natural fissures filled with resin.
Cristallo vs Taj Mahal
| Cristallo | Taj Mahal | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Translucent white crystal, bold pattern | Warm cream ground, soft veining |
| Light | Can be backlit | Opaque |
| Style | Statement piece | Quiet and versatile |
| Typical use | Walls, bars, islands | Countertops and whole kitchens |
For a calm kitchen with a marble look, Taj Mahal is easier to pair. For a piece that turns heads and can glow, choose Cristallo. See all types of quartzite too.
Price
Crystal quartzites sit at the top of the market because they are rare and yield few defect-free slabs. We do not give figures because every slab is priced individually; we explain why in quartzite price.
Ask us for photos of the slabs available, backlit too. We can reserve them and ship worldwide.
Have a project in mind?
Ask us for a no-obligation quote: we will reply with an indicative price.