What is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

As similar as they sound, quartz and quartzite are very different.

Maybe you’re remodeling your home, or maybe your clients are looking for the perfect stone to complete their remodel dreams. No matter what, quartz and quartzite countertops are going to be two of your top contenders when shopping around greater Phoenix for a countertop.

The five main stone materials that Arista Stones has to offer are quartz, quartzite, granite, marble, and porcelain. When our clients come into our showroom and warehouse, they most frequently want to know, ‘What is the difference between quartz and quartzite? Aren’t they the same?’ 

The answer is no, they are not the same. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today!

Let’s start with quartz, our leading engineered material. Quartz countertops are mainly comprised of quartz which is indeed a natural stone. What makes quartz countertops engineered, is the process that is used to create them. Quartz countertops are made with ground-up quartz mixed with resins, pigments, polymers, and other crushed rocks and minerals. Once combined, these materials are poured into molds, shaped like slabs. The molds are then heated to further solidify the shape and hardness of the slab. After the slabs have cooled, they are polished and sent to stone suppliers like Arista Quartz and Natural Stones. 

Quartz has a modern and uniform look and can mimic that of marble. Quartz is durable and never requires a sealant like its natural counterparts do. Not to mention, quartz is easy to clean and care for.

We have an extensive quartz collection available in our inventory and invite you to walk into our Tempe location and view them in person! Our address is 695 West Elliot Road Tempe, Arizona.

As for quartzite, it is a completely natural stone, formed by magma deep in the earth. After some time, when the natural elements have worn down the earth, we gain access to quartzite through quarries. 

Quartzite is extremely hard and dense, heat resistant, and resistant to chipping, scratching, and staining (of course, we would never recommend that you test this out, it still needs to be treated with care to have the potential for longevity in your home.) Quartzite is porous because it is natural so it does require initial sealing and maintenance sealing, but aside from that, it is relatively low maintenance. On top of this, quartzite is naturally, objectively gorgeous. Its veining often mimics scenes from nature whether that be the ocean or a landscape. It is truly nature’s art.  

Now that you know a bit more about the difference between quartz and quartzite, it’s important to consider what works best for your lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Are you a fan of the marble look without the maintenance? Are you looking to conduct a mass residential or commercial installation? Quartz may be a better option for you. If you’re a fan of the vibrant, colorful options that quartzite brings to the table, this durable and unique option may be for you.

Curious about what we have in stock? Call us today at (480) 659-0222 or visit our website at www.aristastones.com to learn more!