How to Choose Between Quartzite and Granite

Are you a Marietta resident in the market for a new, eye-catching countertop? Countertops are a long-term investment and serve as a kitchen's centerpiece, pulling the entire room together. That being said, you'll want to carefully consider the factors of price, appearance, and durability when shopping for your new centerpiece.

You might've heard the words "granite" and "quartzite" in the past, but perhaps you don't know what differentiates the two, or if there's a difference at all. Read on to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to make the right choice, whether that choice is a speckled quartzite countertop in Marietta or a marbled granite countertop in Santa Fe.

What Are They?One of the best things about quartz and granite is that they're both stones cultivated from nature rather than man-made stones. Both quartzite and granite contain quartz, which gives them the flecks of gemstone visible in some countertops.

Quartzite begins its life when gaps in sandstone are filled with the mineral quartz. When heat is applied to this mixture, the extremely strong and durable quartzite is formed. Granite, on the other hand, is a rock created by lava beneath the earth's crust. Its slow cooling process causes granite to take on its extremely hard, heavy form.

What Do They Look Like?Popular opinion deems quartzite beautiful and even superior to granite. While it's often pure white, its subtle imperfections can create stunning patterns and colors that are sought after by home owners and interior designers alike. The most common pattern found in quartzite is marble.

Granite is very similar in appearance to quartzite. Quartzite is usually found in light colors, while granite's patterns have a range that includes gray and black colors. The darker colors in granite often dominate the pattern of the stone.

How Durable Are They?In short, very. Both quartzite and marble countertops are formed from among the heaviest and strongest naturally occurring stones on earth. However, quartzite has a bit of an edge when it comes to durability, which is another reason why some will consider no other material for their countertops.

Conversely, when it comes to working with acidic foods like tomatoes, granite is known to be more resilient to stains than quartzite.

How Expensive Are They?While neither quartzite or granite are cheap, they're an investment in the long-term future of your kitchen.

Quartzite tends to be more expensive than granite. However, if you're being charged quartzite prices, be sure you're getting the real thing. Some retailers sell quartzite mixtures which are not actually pure quartzite. Make sure the retailer knows that you're informed and you're looking for something specific.

So Which Is Better?It really depends on what you're in the market for. If you're looking for an attractive countertop at a lower price, granite is probably the best choice. However, if you're looking for a pure, highly durable stone, then quartzite is your top-of-the-line product.

For more information about these products, check out your local retailer for granite or quartzite countertops in Marietta. Happy shopping!

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.