Both being natural materials, Quartzite is often compared to granite in terms of hardness and durability. However, it’s essential to know that these two types of natural stones are not the same. Quartzite becomes more and more popular these days due to its marble-like looks, which many agree as to the sign of luxury when it comes to natural stone countertops. Light gray and white colors can be found in beautiful veiny designs, whereas in granite these colors only come as speckles.
Granite is an igneous rock composed of many minerals including quartz, Quartzite, however, is a metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz mineral. The Quartzite is formed when the heat, pressure alter quartz-rich sandstone with chemical activity of metamorphism. Though both granite and Quartzite are very hard by nature, on the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being hardest), Quartzite measures around 7, whereas granite measures around 6 to 7.Â
Quartzite seems to perfect, but it does have one particular flaw that you won’t see in granite. It is etching.Â
The etching is surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone. It happens when acidic substances come into contact with the natural stone. Some everyday household items such as lemons, cola, ketchup, and many cleaning products are known to be notorious for etching. However, there are a few protective steps that you can take to help avoid etching. Choosing a honed finish over a polished finish and sealing your stone regularly for an extra layer of protection will help tremendously.Â
It also bears mentioning that “quartzite” and “quartz” is not the same material. Though the names sound alike, Mother Nature makes Quartzite, whereas quartz surfacing is man-made. It can be easy to confuse the two so pay close attention.