Quartzite countertops in Statesboro, GA
Quartzite is natural stone with the soft veining of marble and hardness that rivals granite. Custom Elite Counters templates, cuts and installs quartzite countertops for kitchens and baths across Southeast Georgia, based in Statesboro.
It is often confused with quartz because of the name, but the two are very different materials.
Quartzite and quartz are not the same thing
| Feature | Quartzite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Natural stone, quarried in slabs | Engineered from crushed stone and resin |
| Pattern | Every slab is different | Consistent from slab to slab |
| Heat | Handles heat well | Keep hot pans off |
| Sealing | Yes, from time to time | Never |
| Sunlight | Color holds | Can fade in direct sun |
Quartzite starts as sandstone and is changed by heat and pressure deep underground into one of the hardest countertop stones there is. Quartz is made in a factory. Both are good surfaces; they just suit different priorities.
Why people choose quartzite
- The marble look, tougher. Many quartzites are white or gray with flowing veins, without marble's tendency to scratch.
- Very hard. It stands up to knives, pots and daily kitchen wear.
- Comfortable with heat and sun. That makes it a candidate for a sunny kitchen or an outdoor kitchen.
- Natural variety. Colors run from soft whites and grays to greens, blues and golds.
What to know before you buy
Quartzite needs sealing, and how often depends on the particular stone. Some are dense and nearly stain-proof; others are more porous and need more attention.
Not every slab sold as quartzite behaves like one. Some softer stones get labeled quartzite in the trade and will etch from lemon juice the way marble does. A true quartzite will not scratch with a knife blade and will not etch from acid, so it is worth testing a sample of the exact slab you are considering.
Because it is so hard, quartzite takes longer to cut and finish than most stone, and detailed edge profiles take more work.
Common questions
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. Quartzite is a natural stone cut from the earth. Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed stone and resin. They look and behave differently.
Is quartzite harder than granite?
True quartzite is generally as hard as granite or harder, which makes it very resistant to scratches.
Does quartzite need to be sealed?
Yes. Like other natural stone it should be sealed, and resealed when water stops beading on the surface.
Quartzite or marble: which should I choose?
If you love the look of marble but cook a lot, quartzite is the more forgiving choice. If you want classic marble and accept its patina, see marble countertops.
Let’s talk countertops.
Based in Statesboro and serving Bulloch, Screven, Candler, Evans, Jenkins, Tattnall, Effingham, Bryan, Emanuel, Toombs and Chatham counties, including Pooler and Savannah. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.