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In this article, we compare quartzite and marble from a fabrication and installation perspective comparing their workability and durability.
Quartzite and marble are two very popular countertop materials out of the natural products that homeowners have available to them. These materials come in a unique array of colors and patterns, naturally formed by the Earth over the course of thousands of years. There’s no denying the beauty of these natural stones from the elegant veining of marble to the delicate movement of quartzite. While both materials are undeniably beautiful, there are some significant differences in their durability and suitability for various applications. This guide explores these differences to help fabricators and designers educate their clients on the best material for their needs.
First, let’s discuss how these natural materials are formed so we can better understand their composition and properties.
Marble starts its journey as limestone, which is a brittle and easily carvable type of stone high in mineral content. As limestone is subject to heat and pressure, it transforms into a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite. This process creates the unique veining that we all love about marble. This transformation from limestone also makes marble slightly harder than limestone, but it’s still a softer stone that was the preferred material for sculptures in ancient times.
Quartzite on the other hand starts as quartz-rich sandstone, which is a much harder material than limestone to begin with. Undergoing a transformation similar to marble, quartzite increases in durability and takes on more of a crystalline appearance. Unlike marble that retains some of its limestone properties, quartzite becomes almost entirely quartz, making it significantly harder.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what makes marble and quartzite different from a composition level. Let’s now examine how they compare in durability, workability, and maintenance perspective.
To compare the durability of marble vs. quartzite we need to compare them in the following three categories:
One of the main differences between marble and quartzite is hardness. Quartzite ranks around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, while marble sits at approximately 3-4. This makes quartzite far more resistant to scratches and abrasions, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas.
Marble, on the other hand, is relatively soft and prone to scratching, especially in busy environments such as kitchens. Clients who prefer marble should be informed that they will need to take extra precautions to maintain its pristine look.
Marble is highly porous, making it susceptible to staining and etching, especially when exposed to acidic substances like wine, coffee, and citrus juices. Even with proper sealing, marble requires frequent maintenance to prevent damage.
Quartzite has lower porosity, which means it resists staining better than marble. However, sealing is still recommended to maintain its resistance to moisture and stains. Clients who prefer a lower-maintenance option will likely appreciate quartzite's resilience.
Quartzite is highly resistant to heat, making it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and outdoor installations. Its robust nature means it can withstand exposure to extreme temperatures without damage.
Marble, while also heat resistant, is more prone to damage from sudden temperature changes such as placing a hot pot on it. Additionally, due to its softer composition, marble is more susceptible to chipping and cracking upon impact, whereas quartzite holds up better under pressure.
In the durability category, quartzite is the winner. However, that doesn’t mean that all homeowners should select quartzite while ignoring the beauty of marble. The reasons why someone may pick one material over another will depend on their lifestyle and needs. For those who don’t cook as often and are willing to maintain their marble countertops, marble could absolutely be an option in the kitchen. And the use of marble is not just limited to the kitchen. Some prefer the timeless look of marble countertops in their bathrooms where there isn’t much of a risk of spill and damage, and others may want to use marble or quartzite as a fireplace surround. This is why designers and fabricators need to be well-informed about the different materials so they can guide their clients to make the best decisions for themselves.
Because marble is softer, it is easier to cut, shape, and polish. This makes it ideal for intricate designs, detailed edge profiles, and artistic applications. Fabricators can create custom shapes and ornate features more easily with marble than with quartzite.
Quartzite, due to its extreme hardness, presents a greater challenge during fabrication. Cutting and shaping require diamond-tipped tools and specialized techniques. The increased effort and time needed to work with quartzite often translate into higher labor costs.
Marble's softer nature allows for smoother seams and a more uniform finish. It takes polishing well, resulting in a luxurious, glossy surface that enhances its natural veining.
Quartzite can also achieve a polished finish, but due to its hardness, achieving seamless joints requires precision. Fabricators should take extra care to match patterns and execute tight seams, as quartzite's rigidity makes adjustments more difficult.
Marble’s elegance makes it a top choice for areas where its beauty is prioritized over durability. Bathroom and furniture countertops, fireplace surround and flooring in low traffic areas are ideal applications for marble.
Clients drawn to marble should be advised of its maintenance requirements and potential for wear over time. While it adds a luxurious touch to interiors, it may not be the best option for high-traffic or heavy-use areas.
Quartzite's superior durability makes it well-suited for spaces that endure a lot of daily wear and tear such as kitchen countertops and backsplashes, outdoor kitchens, and flooring in high-traffic areas. The crystalline nature of quartzite also makes it a beautiful option for backlit applications, fireplace surrounds, and accent walls. LED lights are placed behind quartzite to illuminate the quartz crystals that are naturally present, creating a beautiful display.
Clients looking for a material that balances beauty with resilience may find that quartzite offers a compelling alternative to marble, particularly in functional spaces like kitchens. However, they should still be informed of any requirements to seal and maintain their quartzite.
Maintaining marble requires regular care. To prevent staining and etching, clients should:
While quartzite is easier to maintain, it still benefits from routine care. Recommended maintenance includes:
Fabricators and showroom designers play an important role in guiding their clients in deciding between the different countertop materials. This is why they have to be well-informed on the pros and cons of each material and understand how they will fit into their clients’ lifestyles. Here are some of the key takeaways for fabricators when comparing marble vs. quartzite:
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