Granite Vs Quartzite Worktops

As two of the most popular and durable natural stone surfaces, granite and quartzite worktops are top contenders. If you are deciding between the two, consider that they vary in hardness, heat resistance, appearance, permeability, pricing, and more.

So which one is right for your home?  

We’ll take you through a detailed overview of quartzite and granite countertops, including side-by-side comparisons and care tips. After reading this article, we are confident that you’ll be able to make an informed choice. 

Quartzite Vs. Granite Comparison

Both countertops have their strengths and can be good options. The final choice will depend on how you answer these three questions: 

• What’s your budget?
• What are the top features you’re after? Scratch resistance, chip resistance, heat resistance, etc.?
• What look do you want to achieve?

Let’s break down how granite and quartzite countertops compare to help you answer these questions and find a suitable material.

Composition

Both products are natural stones. What makes them different is how the constituent naturally-occurring minerals come together to form the final product.

Quartzite comes about when sandstone (a sedimentary rock) changes its composition due to intense heat and pressure from overlying rocks.

Granite, on the other hand, arises from the intense heat during volcanic activity. It arises from the transformation of various minerals, such as feldspar. Some granite slabs can also contain quartzite minerals.

Appearance

As is the case with all natural stone products, no two quartzite or granite countertops are similar. Each slab is unique, with different veining patterns and more. This is why it’s advisable to view the slabs or colour samples in person at a countertop retailer’s showroom. 

Here are some things you need to know:

Quartzite, often confused with marble, is an excellent pick for anyone eyeing the classiness and opulence associated with its doppelganger. 

Quartzite is available in popular colours like grey and white. Quartzite countertops with pink and red spots are popular too. These are formed when there are large quantities of iron oxide in the parent rock. Other options include yellow, blue, green, orange, black, or brown quartzite countertops. Choose one that complements your kitchen or bathroom best. The patterns on quartzite are distinct and luxurious including swirls, patches and marble-like veining. 

Granite, on the other hand, offers a much bigger variety of colours and patterns. The most popular granite worktop colours are black, grey, brown, white, blue, red, and green. Granite patterns are different to quartzite as they are mostly specks, dots and solid colours.

Porosity

Both worktop materials have low porosity, making them resistant to drinks, water, and food stains. Nevertheless, they can still stain, and the likelihood depends on the degree of porosity.

Granite is slightly more porous than quartzite, making it more vulnerable to fluids. On average, a granite countertop often has an under 1% absorption rate, but this value can vary between 0.5% to 1.5%. However, it is standard practice to seal granite which makes them non-porous.

On the other hand, quartzite’s porosity ranges between 0.1% to 0.5%. Although quartzite worktops can exceed 1% porosity, this material generally fares better than granite around sinks, bathtubs, and cocktail spots. Like granite, quartzite is typically sealed which protects the material.

Sealing

Both materials stain when you leave coloured liquids on them over extended periods. It’s recommended that you seal your worktop to preserve its original appearance and elegance for longer.

Annual sealing is enough for both, although you’ll need to do this more often in heavy-use situations.

Pro Tip: A simple test to establish that it’s time to reseal your worktop is to sprinkle a few water droplets and wait for around 15 minutes. If you see water spots after wiping or the droplets sip into the countertop rather than bead up, it’s time to reseal.

Durability

Quartzite and granite worktops have comparable levels of longevity and can serve you for decades. However, quartzite countertops are slightly ahead because of their lower average porosity and stronger construction.

Both have the same hardness at peak performance (7.0 on the Mohs Scale), but granite can sometimes also be 6.0. In general, both of these materials are ideal for high-traffic spaces that take a lot of beating.

Because quartzite can sometimes be harder, it’s a safer bet. For instance, a kitchen knife (whose Mohs rating is 6.5)  can scratch a 6.0 granite worktop, but not a 7.0 quartzite. 

Pro Tip: Hard worktop surfaces can dull kitchen knives, so it’s best to use chopping boards while cutting vegetables. If you don’t cut vegetables on the worktop directly, you also don’t need to worry about which one you pick — either can last you for years with proper maintenance. 

Heat Resistance

Both countertop materials can typically withstand typical kitchen temperatures without cracking or staining.

However, studies suggest that granite worktops can withstand higher temperatures than quartzite and may perform better around cookers. Consider this if you do a lot of baking. 

Pro Tip: Don’t put your pots and pans directly on the countertops, regardless of which one you pick. It’s best to use pot mats. Also consider that some granite products change textures and colours once you subject them to temperatures beyond 250°C.

Pricing

Granite is the way to go if you want to save some cash. Expect to spend £120 to £180 per square meter to install a granite countertop in the UK. Quartzite worktops, on the other hand, can cost significantly more, with per square meter pricing starting from £500.

Cleaning

You can use a mild detergent, warm water, and soft clothing to clean both quartzite or granite worktops. 

Avoid strong cleaners, such as those that aren’t pH neutral, as these erode the surface and remove the natural polish over time.

Similarities Between Quartzite and Granite Countertops

• Both are natural stone worktops.
• Both have low porosity (under 1%)
• You need to seal both yearly.
• Both have a high Mohs hardness rating at peak performance.
• Both have numerous colour options.
• Both have similar cleaning requirements: mild soap and water.
• Both can be used outdoors and have UV resistance.

Differences Between Granite and Quartzite Countertops

Which is Better, Granite or Quartzite?

Quartzite has a lot of benefits. It is ideal if you want better chip and scratch resistance and a natural stone worktop that mimics the attractive look of marble.

Granite, on the other hand, is highly versatile and suits those looking to spend less while picking from a wider colour palette and enjoying better heat resistance.

Need professional help picking a countertop customised to suit your home’s distinct needs? Get in touch with Paramount Stone Specialists today on 01482 585600 or by emailing info@paramountstone.co.uk for a fast quote on any area in the UK.