
Quartz and Quartzite are both great options to surface your home. There is sometimes confusion as to if they are the same or how they are different.
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It’s 100% naturally made when the earth’s tectonic plates compress and put sandstone under extreme heat and pressure. Quartzite is generally found in white to grey shades but there are some other colors that are created when there are other elements present in the sandstone when the rock formed. Quartzite is harder than granite so it is very durable and can tolerate heat very well. Because Quartzite is a natural stone, there is some care and maintenance involved. We advise our customers to use our 3 in 1 spray once a week to help gently clean the stone, polish the surface, and keep the protective coating “hydrated”. As with any natural stone, you will have to periodically reseal the surface. This is a super easy D.I.Y. project that only has to be done every few years.
Quartz slabs are man made and are often referred to as engineered stone. They are made with a blend of natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. The quartz slab is approximately 93% loose quartz and then it is blended with a binder and pigment before being formed into a slab. Because the resin used to bind the quartz together is plastic, it is prone to melt around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Quartz countertops are relatively maintenance free. To clean them, you simply use a non abrasive cloth, soap, and water.
If you have any more questions about these surfaces, feel free to stop in or call us. We are always happy to help our customers keep their surfaces looking great!