Quartz and quartzite: not the same stone

What each one is

Quartz worktops are engineered stone: crushed quartz bound with resin into slabs. Quartzite is a natural rock that began as sandstone and was transformed by heat and pressure deep underground, fusing its quartz grains together. Quartzite is quarried and cut like granite or marble; there is no resin in it.

Looks

Quartzite often looks like marble, with soft whites, greys and flowing veins, which is why people choose it. Because it is natural, every slab is different, and it is worth seeing the actual slabs. Quartz gives you a repeatable, predictable pattern, including marble-like designs.

Hardness and heat

True quartzite is very hard, generally harder than granite, and like other natural stones it has no resin to scorch. That makes it a strong choice for people after a marble look without marble’s softness. Quartz is hard too, but its resin is sensitive to direct heat.

The soft quartzite problem

Not every slab labelled quartzite is one. Some are partly or mostly marble or dolomite. They look similar but behave like marble: they scratch more easily and etch when acids touch them. A simple check on a sample is to put a drop of lemon juice or vinegar on it for a few minutes, wipe it off and look for a dull mark. A true quartzite will not etch. We will tell you what a slab actually is before you commit.

Sealing and care

Quartzite is usually sealed after fitting, and some varieties are more porous than others. Quartz never needs sealing. In a hard-water area such as Milton Keynes, both are fine with gentle cleaning; just avoid acidic limescale removers on any natural stone you are not sure about.

Which to choose

Choose quartzite if you want a natural stone with a marble-like look and real toughness, and you are happy to see slabs and seal occasionally. Choose quartz if you want consistency, no sealing and a lower-maintenance surface.