Marble Vs Quartzite Worktops

It’s hard to go wrong (but not impossible!) when deciding between two of the classiest natural stone surfaces: marble vs quartzite worktops.

They look quite similar in appearance—so much so that misidentification is a common issue. But besides appearance, there are many factors where one fares better than the other. 

However, there are many differences between marble and quartzite based on design, durability, scratch resistance, and susceptibility to etching.

This guide will help you to be able to compare the benefits and disadvantages of quartzite and marble countertops in different categories so you can pick the right one for your needs. 

Comparison of Quartzite and Marble Worktops

Marble and quartzite countertops are both natural stone countertops. 

However, they differ in many ways, including their compositions. This affects everything from durability, design and ease of maintenance.

Quartzite often contains the mineral quartz, making it hard and excellent for applications where countertops need to hold up well against high heat or moisture. 

Marble, on the other hand, comes from dolomite, a component that is not as hard as quartz. This softness allows for easier cutting and shaping, which provides more flexibility in customizing your countertop. Additionally, it provides a smooth surface suitable for dough kneading and baking. Sure there will be scratches along the way, but unlike with other countertops, they lend marble countertops a lovely antique look. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of quartzite vs marble worktops.

Price

Marble and quartzite are both some of the most premium worktop materials and sometimes have comparable prices. Still, marble is somewhat more “pocket-friendly”. 

The average marble worktops in the UK range between £200 and £510 per square meter. Meanwhile, quartzite countertops pricing per square meter typically start from £500. 

As you’ll see in the sections below, this is for a good reason: Quartzite has an edge over marble in numerous areas, starting with its hardness, resilience against general wear and tear, and relatively less challenging maintenance requirements. 

So, don’t make the choice solely based on price. Assess the traffic in your space and whether you have energetic kids and pets to pick something that can provide the elegance and function you want for an extended period.

Scratch and Chip Resistance

One of the best selling points of quartzite over marble is that it’s significantly harder. Quartzite has more than double the points compared to marble on the Mohs scale (a rating system that grades materials based on the degree of hardness). The higher the rating, the fewer the materials that can leave scratches on the surface or cause cracks and chips after contact.

Marble has a  3.0 on the Mohs scale, while quartzite has a solid 7.0, slightly harder than quartz.  Since copper pennies, steel nails, and knives are harder than marble, they tend to leave marks when handled on this countertop. 

Durability

Not only is quartzite more resistant to chips and scratches, but it also outperforms marble in other durability aspects. 

While a marble kitchen countertop etches easily from daily low-acid kitchen ingredients like citrus—quartzite is more resistant. 

Furthermore, marble worktops are porous, while quartzite countertops have super-low porosity. They are virtually non-porous, however they still should be sealed to keep them completely protected. Marble is much more porous. That means coloured liquids like soy sauce and orange juice can sip more easily into marble countertops. 

You also need to seal marble worktops in as little as six months to prevent damage.  With quartzite, you can get by with doing sealing treatments annually. For this reason, quartzite countertops generally have lower maintenance expenses, making them more cost-effective in the long run—despite the higher upfront costs. 

Another advantage of quartzite over marble is that it is ideal to use in an outside kitchen or workspace. Quartzite is naturally UV resistant and will not fade over time so the beautiful colour will retain. Marble is highly porous so is not as ideal for outside areas.

Pro Tip: To check whether a worktop is marble or quartzite, do this simple test. 

Let some lemon juice sit on an unnoticeable small patch of worktop overnight—a marble worktop will have a dull spot due to etching ( a process in which an acid reacts and “eats away” the marble, removing the glossy surface). Quartzite will remain unchanged. 

Cleaning

Because of their higher susceptibility to stains and etching, unsealed marble countertops are more demanding to maintain than quartzite. 

To prevent damage, use a pH-neutral cleaner on marble surfaces. This can prevent chemical reactions that can etch the surface.

With quartzite worktops, you need to worry less about this as they can withstand a wider range of cleaning products because of their composition. Still, it’s best to go with mild options, like diluted dishwashing soap.

Aesthetics

There isn’t an outright winner regarding worktop colours and designs, as this depends on personal preferences. Both feature numerous colour options, but some are more common than others.

Quartzite countertops are excellent for those seeking natural stone surfaces with red and pink spots as they often contain lots of iron oxide. However, quartzite in pure form also comes in the typical marble colours (grey and white). Depending on the mineral impurities, you can also find yellow, green, orange, brown, black, and blue quartzite worktops. Quartzite is known for having stunning colours with natural patterns like dreamy swirls, patches and marble-like veining.

Meanwhile, marble countertops typically come in greys and whites with veining rather than patches and swirls. However, you can also find marble worktops in yellow, green, and blue—depending on the minerals and impurities present in the parent rock. Marble colours are known for their timeless elegance and classic appearance.

Should You Install a Marble or Quartzite Countertop

The two key considerations if you’re still on the fence between quartzite and marble worktops are pricing and durability.

Quartzite worktops are a no-brainer for those seeking a longer-lasting surface that fares excellently against regular wear and tear. 

Meanwhile, marble is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end worktop with a timeless appeal without spending too much.

Need help finalizing a design? Be sure to check out our vast collection of marble and quartzite worktops at Paramount Stone Specialists for something that feels right at home with your decor. 

Contact us on 01482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk for reliable worktop installations all over the UK, as our three decades of experience guarantee products that stand the test of time.