Quartzite vs granite: which countertop should you choose?
Quartzite and granite are the two toughest natural stones for a countertop. Both handle heat, knives and daily use far better than marble. The real difference is the look: granite is grainy, while quartzite can be veined like marble.
What each one is
- Quartzite: a sandstone that heat and pressure turned into almost pure quartz rock. That is why it is so hard, and its pattern is usually veins, clouds or crystals.
- Granite: a rock formed as magma cooled. It contains crystals of quartz, feldspar and mica, and looks like a speckled grain, finer or coarser.
Quick comparison
| Quartzite | Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Veins and movement, marble-like | Speckled grain, more uniform |
| Hardness | Very high (almost pure quartz) | High |
| Acids (lemon, vinegar) | No etching* | No etching |
| Porosity | Low to medium, depending on the stone | Low to medium, depending on the stone |
| Sealing | Recommended, especially in light colours | Recommended on the more porous ones |
| Colour range | Whites, blues, greens, crystals | Blacks, greys, browns, multicolour |
| Price range | Mid to very high | Budget to high |
* Watch out for stones sold as "quartzite" that are really dolomite or hard marble: those do etch. Here is how to tell them apart: dolomite vs quartzite.
When to choose quartzite
- You want a veined, marble look on a countertop that can take daily use.
- You are after unusual colours: blues, greens or crystals that can be backlit.
- The countertop is the star of the kitchen: islands, waterfalls, matching backsplashes.
When to choose granite
- You prefer a regular pattern that hides crumbs and everyday marks.
- You want deep blacks or very rugged stone for outdoors: stairs, façades, paving.
- Budget comes first: some granites are very affordable.
For an exotic granite we have Lemurian, black with blue labradorite flashes, for a piece that stands out.
Care
Both clean with water and pH-neutral soap. Reseal when water stops beading on the surface. Both can be finished polished, honed or leathered, which hides fingerprints better.
What about marble or quartz?
If you are weighing more materials, see the full comparison marble, granite, quartzite or quartz, and if quartzite appeals, all the types of quartzite.
Ask us for photos of real slabs of quartzite or granite for your project. We ship from Valencia worldwide.
Have a project in mind?
Ask us for a no-obligation quote: we will reply with an indicative price.