Many people are confused about what White Quartzite Countertops are and what they are made of. Quartzite is a compact granular rock that is very hard and is comprised of quartz. It is made when sandstone is under pressure and exposed to heat. Pure Quartzite is usually white in color with veins of other colors coursing through them. Quartzite contains more quartz than a granite slab. Quartzite is also different from granite countertops, as it will have flaws that granite countertops do not have. It is a beautiful countertop but the right piece needs to be vetted to ensure you are getting the real deal.
White Quartzite Countertops Versus Granite Countertops
Some people like the look of the white quartzite as it is said to look very much like Carrera marble, but is more durable. That is if you get the quartzite in its purest form. There is a limited supply of pure quartzite and this leads manufactures to sell a product that is not pure and the only way to tell the difference is to test each peace. Because it is hard to tell if white quartzite countertops are pure many people opt for a beautiful piece of granite slab for their counters.
White Quartzite Countertops Are Stronger Than Granite Countertops
Yes, quartzite is stronger than granite, but not by much. When trying to assess the hardness of minerals the Mohs scale is used. The Mohs scale is a measurement that goes from 1 (not strong) – 10 (very strong) and it is largely used to see how durable certain minerals can be. On the Mohs scale quartzite comes in at 7 and granite comes in at 6 – 6.5. Not much of a difference and there are other worries when you are considering quartzite.
White Quartzite Countertops Can Etch
White quartzite countertops are known to etch due to acid or even water being applied to the surface. This can happen with certain cleaners like ammonia or by cutting a lemon on the countertop. The cutting and scratching you get from etching can be avoided if you give the stone a hone finish, instead of the polish finish. You will not get a mirrored surface if your countertops are honed like you would with polish finish, as it is harder to polish hard surface stone. When a stone is honed it becomes more even and can prevent etching. Like granite countertops you will need to seal the white quartzite countertops once a year, but unlike granite even sealed quartzite will eventually patina. Patina is when you get a film, green or brown in color, after a long period of time. It is important to note that most granite countertops will not etch.
White Quartzite Countertops Can Stain If Not Properly Sealed
If you are not buying the purest form of white quartzite countertops it may stain. You will want to do a test on a piece from the countertops you are considering purchasing to see if it will be stain resistant. With that said, once you seal the quartzite it will not stain, but beware if you do not reseal your countertops once a year, because then you may get some staining. There are some products to get stains out, but it can be hard to get it completely out.
White Quartzite Countertops are More Expensive Than Granite Countertops
Because pure white quartzite countertops are hard to find, it will cost more than a traditional granite countertop. When purchasing your stone, make sure you research where the white quartzite came from. Be sure you get the quartzite tested to make sure it is 100% pure. If not properly researched and tested you may be paying a higher price for an inferior product.
White Quartzite Countertops or Granite Countertops
Buying your kitchen countertops is a big decision and you want to make sure you pick the countertop you will love for years to come. If you are able to find pure white quartzite countertops you are in store for a beautiful looking kitchen or bathroom that will last the test of time. If you are still on the fence about the quartzite, keep granite countertops on the top of your list. Granite is beautiful, unique, durable, strong and it can raise the value of your home. You know what you are getting with granite and it you seal it properly every six months to a year it will stay beautiful for years to come. Granite is still the most used countertops in homes across America and has the staying power most homeowners are looking for.
You are now armed with all the information needed to pick the proper countertop for your kitchen. There are beautiful pieces of pure white quartzite countertops and unique pieces of granite slab. Both are beautiful and both can give your kitchen or bathroom an elegant look.