People are confused on quartz and quartzite and think that both quartz and the quartzite are the same – same material. They are not the same materials rather they are popular choices as a countertops.
Differences between quartz and quartzite
They vary in many aspects like look, price, strength, etc. So, before you make a choice of them, know the difference between both of this materials and their pros and cons.
Quartz
Quartz is a raw material and is hard. It has silicon dioxide as the primary ingredient and oxygen. This metamorphic rock is derived from sandstone and contains quartz grains. Quartz have multiple dimensions and multiple colors and patterns than the quartzite. Quartz countertops are engineered and created by combining 93 per cent pure quartz with polymer resin, binders and pigments so, they are obtained in many colors.
Quartz countertops have many advantages over the quartzite. They are very smooth and are good for the countertops. Quartz counters are highly resistant to heat, scratch and chemical, but prone to heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, these countertops are more expensive when compared to the quartzite countertops and the price varies from place to place. As they are more popular countertops today, availability of this countertops is also more and is more common than the quartzite.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock which is naturally occurred and it is created when sandstone is subjected to extreme temperature, that heat and pressure which is caused by tectonic compression in the earths crust. This entire process makes the quartzite more harder than the quartz.
Quartzite is mined and used as countertops by cutting them in the required shape and size. To make them look beautiful these countertops are polished which makes it beautiful and durable. The streaks and patterns of the quartzite material will depend on the pressure on the mineral.
To make the color change, quartzite is mixed with iron, carbon, clay mix and quartzite crystals. It also resists heat and stains. But there is chance of etching and it should be sealed before use. If sealing is not done properly there is a chance of staining.
Both of these materials are hard and heavy to install. Requires the help of professionals for installing this countertops in your kitchen. It is not that possible to say which material to be used as countertop in your kitchen because each one has their own advantages and disadvantages. Both materials have similar prices but the availability of the quartz is more. Therefore, based on the above pros and cons, select countertops that suit your kitchen and its requirements.