Choosing stone
Quartzite vs. granite: a comparison of two stones.
Quartzite and granite are both natural stones, both excellent countertops, and both regularly confused with each other. Here’s how the two actually compare, from the family that fabricates both every week.
Where they come from
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock — sandstone transformed by heat and pressure into nearly pure quartz crystal. Granite is igneous, cooled from molten magma, a blend of feldspar, quartz, and mica. That’s why quartzite tends toward uniform, marble-like veining while granite shows bold speckling and mineral variety.
Durability & heat
Quartzite is the harder of the two — more scratch-resistant than granite and able to take higher temperatures thanks to its dense composition. Granite is no slouch; it remains one of the toughest surfaces you can put in a kitchen. Both handle moisture well.
Maintenance
Quartzite benefits from annual sealing to guard against staining; granite’s sealing schedule depends on its porosity, typically every one to two years. Both want gentle, non-abrasive cleaning — mild soap and water covers daily care.
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Usually, yes. Once fabrication and installation are counted, expect quartzite to run roughly 25–50% more than a comparable granite — and rare, exotic slabs can stretch well past that. Two things drive the premium: quartzite slabs are scarcer to source, and the stone’s hardness makes cutting, edging, and polishing slower, more deliberate work.
On either stone, the same things move the price:
- The slab itself — common colors sit at the low end; rare veining and exotic imports command more.
- Thickness and edge profile — 3cm stock with an eased edge keeps cost down; mitred and specialty edges add fabrication time.
- Cutouts and layout — sink and cooktop cutouts, waterfall ends, and full-height backsplashes all add work.
Granite remains the value pick — one of the most durable surfaces you can buy at its price. Quartzite is the upgrade: marble’s elegance with better everyday toughness, priced accordingly. Both add real resale appeal. For an exact number, request a free estimate or bring your measurements to the yard — slab prices vary enough that an honest quote beats any internet average.
Where each shines
- Quartzite: hard-working luxury kitchens, elegant baths, fireplace surrounds — anywhere you want the marble look without marble’s care.
- Granite: everyday kitchens, vanities, and outdoor projects where weather exposure matters.
The verdict
Choose quartzite for elegance and maximum heat and scratch resistance; choose granite for value and proven everyday toughness. Better yet, compare slabs side by side in daylight at our yard — that usually settles it in minutes.