Quartz is a manufactured slab; quartzite is quarried rock. Choose quartz for a consistent pattern and no sealing: Caesarstone describes its quartz surfaces as “nonporous” and needing no sealer. Choose quartzite for natural stone that resists kitchen acids. The Natural Stone Institute says true quartzite is “nearly twice as hard as glass” and “will not etch when exposed to things like lemon juice or vinegar.” Porous varieties may need sealing. The biggest risk with quartzite is buying a slab that isn’t really quartzite.
| Engineered quartz | Natural quartzite | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Manufactured (engineered) slab | Quarried stone: metamorphosed sandstone |
| Look | Designed, predictable pattern | Natural veining and slab-to-slab variation |
| Sealing | Not needed (nonporous) | Depends on porosity; porous types such as White Macaubas and Calacatta Macaubas may benefit from a sealer |
| Acids (lemon, vinegar) | Wipe up with mild detergent | True quartzite does not etch |
| Heat | Caesarstone: always use trivets and hot pads | Natural Stone Institute: use trivets or mats |
| Cleaners to avoid | Oven and grill cleaners, dishwasher detergent, floor strippers, oil soaps, paint strippers | Rust removers containing hydrofluoric acid attack all stone, including quartzite |
Test a “quartzite” slab before you buy
The Natural Stone Institute warns that “some stones are often mislabeled as quartzite or ‘soft quartzite’ when they are in fact marble or dolomitic marble.” Marble etches, quartzite does not. Ask for a sample offcut from the actual slab and run the institute’s checks:
- Glass test: true quartzite scratches glass.
- Knife test: true quartzite cannot be scratched easily with a knife blade.
- Acid test: a drop of lemon juice should leave no dull etch mark on true quartzite.
If the sample etches or scratches easily, treat it as marble or dolomitic marble and plan for etch-sensitive care, or choose another slab. Get the stone’s name and the supplier’s identification in writing.
Day-to-day care
- Quartz: clean with warm water and mild detergent on a soft cloth or non-abrasive scourer, then rinse and dry. Use cutting boards and trivets.
- Quartzite: wipe with a gentle cleanser and water. Watch for darkening around the sink; the Natural Stone Institute says that is a sign the stone needs sealing. A sealer makes stone more stain-resistant, not stain-proof.
Comparing quotes
Price both as installed projects: slab, thickness, edge profile, seam locations, sink cutout and support, overhang support, tear-out of the old counter and plumbing reconnection. For engineered quartz, record the brand, color and lot. For quartzite, choose and tag the exact slab. For the related choice, see granite vs quartz .