What is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

When you hear the terms Quartz and Quartzite, it’s only perceptive to assume that they mean roughly the same thing. Although these two stones do have many similarities, they’re not the same. Both are durable and beautiful materials, yet they offer significant differences in appearance, maintenance requirements, and performance. Let’s see a comparision of Quartz vs Quartzite.

Quartz Stone

Quartz is what we would call a mineral. The words mineral and rock do not mean the same thing. One rock can contain several different minerals. Think of minerals as potential ingredients of a rock. Quartz is found in different rocks, including sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. For example, sandstone is a sedimentary rock that often contains Quartz; granite is an igneous rock that contains Quartz; Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that contains Quartz. Again, Quartz is just a possible “ingredient” of many different types of rock. A mineral is a solid, inorganic substance produced with a crystal structure and definite chemical composition. Quartz is one type of mineral that is found in many types of rock.

Quartzite Stone

Quartzite is a kind of rock that must be considered with sedimentary and metamorphic processes to be fully understood. The natural stone Quartzite doesn’t have a definite formula. It’s a form of rock that contains Quartz as one component mineral. It is either cut from natural outcrops or manufactured to form countertops (and other building materials) cheaper than pure Quartz. Since most Quartzite used to be sandstone, it depends, but it could include some carbonates if you are looking at a beach deposit or maybe heavy minerals if you are close to something interesting like an intrusion. It will come down to the Provenance of the original sediment.

Similarities between Quartz and Quartzite

A large quantity of Quartz present in Quartzite and Quartz makes them similar in many ways. If we look at the Mohs hardness scale, we see that both have a hardness of 7. Due to their hardness on the Mohs scale, they become harder than other stones like granite, so they are durable. Their hardness makes them long-lasting as compared to many other countertop materials circulating in the market.

Quartz and Quartzite are considered to be resistant to etching. Both countertops don’t exhibit braking behavior, and that is why we see very few lines and spots in these countertops.

Quartz and Quartzite have different compositions as they are formed in different conditions. That is why homeowners should understand the critical difference between both countertops before using them in their homes.

The Most Significant Difference

The first and most significant distinction is that materials alluded to as “Quartz” are human-made. Built stones made of common quartz in a factory. It is an engineered material created by combining color, resin, and crushed stone. Quartzite is a 100% earth-made natural metamorphic rock. Under extreme heat and pressure, it evolves into a stone found in quarries around the globe. The two are generally made of quartz, perhaps the hard substance on earth, making them perfect for kitchens and high traffic areas.

Physical differences between Quartz and Quartzite

Thanks to their hardness, both oppose marks and scratching from acidic fluids. An inconspicuous contrast in Quartz vs Quartzite is that Natural quartzite can be clean up to a serious shine. Human-made quartz usually can’t accomplish that degree of brightness. Artificial quartz can be available in different colors and textures. It is also possible to make quartz with veins like natural stone. Mostly the slabs of quartz have a great consistency throughout the entire slab. Because of high abrasion resistance and general resistance against the environmental impacts and acids, quartzite can be applied indoor and outdoor. While synthetically produced quartz is more suitable for indoor uses.

Quartz is an engineered stone made up of 90% loose quartz, and the rest are pigments and resin. It is non-porous because it is engineered. It has different designs, colors, and appearances. Quartz is more solid, so tricky to install as compared to Quartzite.

Also Read: Difference between Carrara and Calacatta Marble

Maintenance differences between Quartz & Quartzite

The engineered Quartz maintenance is minimal; for this reason, it is an excellent material for the kitchen countertops and bathrooms. This material does not require specific cleaners that natural materials need. Quartz requires no sealant and is genuinely maintenance-free because of its non-porous and dense characteristics. Proper care and professional sealing are essential to help protect the surface from stains and etching.

Natural Quartzite is the perfect stone for you if you are looking for a natural stone with veins and long durability. Quartzite is available in many colors; new materials colors come to market often. When choosing the right material for your project, you should consider your lifestyle and the coloration you want for your countertops.

Quartz vs Quartzite, Which is Right for You?

Quartz is much more tougher and suitable for high-traffic areas while it can be de-colored in sunlight, so not recommended for outdoor use. On the other hand, Quartzite is not as complex as Quartz and is a natural stone, and is useable for indoor and outdoor applications.