Are you aiming for a different level of subtle sophistication in the final look and feel of your countertops? Natural quartzite provides the option of unparalleled durability combined with the elegance and clean timeless look for your kitchen or bathroom.
Palomino quartzite kitchen island
At Marble & Granite Supply of Illinois Inc. we have been on the forefront of bringing natural quartzite as a new stone surface option. We offer an extensive selection of unique quartzites to architects, designers & homeowners. It’s subtle structure and striking veining has made it the new favorite for luxury custom countertops today.
Taj mahal quartzite traditional kitchen
If you are considering natural quartzite for your home, you might have some questions about various aspects of this elegant material. Below we are providing all the answers to help you make an educated decision.
What exactly is natural quartzite and how is it formed?
Natural Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of intense heat and pressure the sandstone is transformed into natural quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. When exposed to high heat, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative pattern. Natural Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider natural quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overall durability.
Golden macaubas slab
Golden macaubas kitchen countertop
What is the difference between quartz and natural quartzite?
White quartzite kitchen countertop
Quartz is entirely different from natural quartzite. Quartz as raw material is primarily silica or silicon dioxide. Raw quartz comes in many colors like white, gray, rose, violet, yellow, and brown. It is a crystalline stone and is one of the hardest and most abundantly available minerals. Quartz is being mined and used as a 93% base for manufactured quartz surfacing for countertops, floors and walls. Manufactured quartz surfacing material is a man-made engineered stone product that comes in a highly consistent look combined with properties of great durability and low maintenance.
Natural quartzite however is a different material. Natural quartzite is a 100% natural material. By nature, natural quartzite is mostly white or gray and is mostly more varied and harder than manufactured quartz surfacing, and therefor more difficult to work with as the natural veins and patterns also play part in the decision on how the material is cut. Each natural quartzite has its unique strengths and appearance, giving it unique opportunities to design with. Natural Quartzite is an ideal material for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition.
Is natural quartzite more durable than granite?
Granite is an igneous rock and quartzite is metamorphic, so each has unique features. Granite has been for long a favorite material for kitchen and bathroom applications. Marble & Granite Supply of Illinois Inc. has been searching the world for natural quartzite as a more custom luxury stone surfaceand our extensive collection of exclusive natural quartzite has gained popularity, offering both refined elegance, low maintenance and high durability.
Taj mahal quartzite kitchen island
Taj mahal quartzite kitchen island
Colors and the look
White quartzite kitchen countertops
The colors of natural quartzite are ranging from white or gray with hints of brown and black. But don’t be surprised to find boldly colored natural quartzites with broad veining patterns as well. These colors are a result of ‘impurities’. For instance, deposits of iron oxide creates pink or red hues, while other minerals add hints of blue, yellow, or green.
Natural quartzite has gained in popularity in part because some of these quartzites exhibit the refined structure and elegant veining we know from the famous classic white marbles, yet in natural quartzite combining it with the durability that granite is known for. The veining in the natural quartzite stones varies from block to block, and from slab to slab. As with any other slab material, no two slabs are exactly the same. The natural variance allows you to design your kitchen or bathroom with a customized and elegant look that is personal yet timeless, and in any case with a high-end feel.
If you love natural stone, quartzite is an excellent option for you. Many of the neutral color tones are complementary to any design. The veining creates elegant movement, while the available surface finishes like polished, honed, brushed, suede or leather allow you to create a custom and upscale luxuriously elegant environment.
Natural quartzite cost
Natural stone can be costly. But the quality of the installation and unequalled look need to be considered as a true investment in your property. Countertops that will outlast most other elements in your kitchen or bathroom with the timeless elegance that this material provides are guaranteed components of lasting value.
White quartzite kitchen countertops
Beside the choice for durable natural quartzite, the design and application of your countertop influences the cost as well. Intricate jobs that require several cuts increase the overall cost of the project because natural quartzite is extremely hard. To work with this material it must be cut with a diamond saw by skilled craftsmen. Rare white natural quartzite does not contain as many impurities and is therefore harder and more expensive to process, both in block as well as in slab format.
Quartzite bathroom countertop
Natural Quartzite durability, care and maintenance
Quartzite stairs
Natural quartzite’s hardness protects it from scratching and etching, but as it is a porous natural stone, it does need sealing to help it resist stains. Once installed and sealed, natural quartzite’s daily care requires simply cleaning with a damp cloth and some mild soap. Although it is difficult to scratch natural quartzite, we do advise to avoid abrasives as they should not be necessary maintenance in any case to keep the luxurious appearance of your countertop intact. Because natural quartzite has been formed under extreme high heat it is in itself heat resistant. Once processed into slab format we do caution for direct exposure to heat. We advise to use trivets or cutting boards under hot pans to avoid unlikely risk of material damage.
With these few pointers we hope to have provided you with all knowledge to confidently select natural quartz from our high end collection to be enjoyed in your environment for many years to come.
Please visit our extensive natural quartzite slab collection online or in our designer gallery warehouse.
