Whenever we think of kitchen renovation, the very first thing that comes into our mind is the slab or counter of the kitchen. The kitchen surface is the most important element of the kitchen. Choosing the material for the kitchen counter is a very thoughtful decision because it is the counter that bears all the wear and tear, food spills, heat, and scratches.
With so many options available in the market for natural and engineered stones, it becomes a challenging task to choose the right fit for the kitchen. If you are thinking of a natural stone slabs counter for your kitchen, we have granite, quartzite, marble, porcelain, soapstone, limestone, and many more. But if we talk about the most popular or most preferred choice among natural stones, it is granite and quartzite. Both stones are the top choice of architects and designers because of their unique properties and limitations.
In this blog, we have covered the pros and cons of both stones in terms of durability, aesthetics, heat resistance, maintenance, and much more.
What is the difference between Granite and Quartzite?
Granite and quartzite are both naturally occurring stones that are formed through geological processes. Granite is formed through the slow cooling of magma under the earth’s crust. It has a composition of three main minerals, quartz, feldspar, and mica which may vary as per the geological formation.
At the same time, Quartzite is formed through a metamorphism of sandstone, which is put under huge heat and pressure over geological processes to transform into quartzite. It is composed of quartz grains, that are fused together to form quartzite.
Is Quartzite harder than Granite?
Granite Stones is well known for its strength and durability worldwide. It has always been the top choice for ages, especially for kitchen counters. Granite can withstand maximum wear and tear without getting potential damage. Due to its durability, it is highly resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches.
Most people use the granite kitchen counter for cutting fruits and vegetables, and it can easily handle that. It has a hardness value of about 6 to 7 on Moh’s scale and if we speak about quartzite, it has a hardness value of 7, slightly more than granite stone. So, Quartzite is comparatively harder than granite and is less likely to be prone to chips or scratches. If we talk about the absorbent nature, both quartzite and granite are non-porous, which is highly resistant to staining in case of any food spills on the kitchen counter.
In the case of heat resistivity, both can handle high temperatures in the kitchen, but if we compare these two, granite takes the lead over quartzite as they handle hot pots and kitchen heat better than quartzite. That’s why they are generally the top choice for kitchen counters.
Appearance: Which is better Granite and Quartzite?
When we talk about the appearance of Granite and Quartzite, both have their own plus points. Quartzite has a marble-like appearance and adds a touch of class and luxury to your lovely home. The only downside is that quartzite doesn’t have many options in terms of color and textures. It generally has white and light gray shades with beautiful and uniform veining patterns all over the surface.
Granite offers a wide range of color options from black, white, and red to green and even blue. So, you can choose as per the design and look of the space. The versatility in terms of color and texture depends on the different composition of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Is Quartzite more expensive than Granite?
In terms of pricing, quartzite costs a bit higher in comparison to granite. Granite is less expensive than quartzite because of certain factors such as market availability, quality, and origin of the stone. Granite stone has been popular for ages and is easily available in the market with a wide range of colors and patterns. A granite slab cost may vary depending on the quality and origin of the stone.
Quartzite is more expensive than granite due to its complex formation and low demand and availability in the market. Another factor is quartzite is limited to a few colors and patterns, which makes it less popular among designers and architects, who are looking for wide range of options to choose from. That’s why it tends to be costlier.
Which is easier to maintain: Granite and Quartzite?
Both quartzite and granite are the go-to options if you are in search of a material that needs minimal maintenance. Being non-porous, they need regular cleaning with mild soap and water to maintain their appearance. It is advised to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, because that may lead to potential damage over time. Sealing the surface once or twice a year eases up the maintenance by making it more resistant to staining and scratches.
Final thoughts: Which is better Granite and Quartzite?
Choosing between the two can be a challenging task because both granite and quartzite are equally durable and pleasing to the interiors of the home. It totally depends on personal preferences and the uses.
If you are looking in terms of durability and maintenance, you can choose either of the two. And if you need a wide range of colors and patterns to add to your kitchen or your lovely home, you may go with granite stone. If budget is your concern, it would be better to choose granite over quartzite. Overall, both the stones have their own pros and cons, so now it’s your call to pick the one that suits your preferences.
How can Stone Depot help you find the right fit for your Kitchen Counter?
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- Wide range of colors and patterns to choose from
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