What’s the difference?

If you’ve been reading up on the latest trends in countertops for kitchens and baths, chances are you’ve probably seen the words quartz and quartzite counter bandied about with nary an explanation about the difference between the two. Today, we’re here to set the record straight about these 2 extremely popular and vastly different materials.
kitchen showing natural stone and engineered quartz countertops.

The first and most important difference is that materials that are referred to as “Quartz” are man-made, engineered stones made of natural quartz and resin in a factory. Quartzite is a 100% natural stone that is dug up out of the earth, polished, and cut into slabs. They both are made mostly of quartz, one of the hardest substances on earth, which make them ideal for kitchens and high-use areas. Because of this natural hardness, both resist staining and etching from acidic liquids. A subtle difference between Quartzite and Quartz is that Natural quartzite can be polished to a high gloss. Engineered quartz often cannot achieve that level of sheen. There is a small subset of material known as “Soft Quartzite” which performs more like a marble. Be sure to ask your salesperson about the specific varieties you’re considering

Engineered Quartz Slab

Engineered Quartz can be made into a wide variety of colors, and textures, and even made to simulate the look of natural stone veins. Because it is made primarily of quartz, it offers excellent performance in demanding spaces. It is often sold under well-known brand names like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Maestro. The best thing about engineered quartz is that it offers great consistency across all slabs. Because it is made in a controlled environment, a large kitchen can enjoy a uniform appearance of countertop surfaces. Long-term maintenance with engineered quartz is minimal. It doesn’t require sealing or specialized cleaners that natural materials need.
natural quartzite slab