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What is quartzite?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subject to heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite, which is softer and porous making it easy to be scratched, stained, and damaged. No matter what the application, will change, age, and wear over time. On a kitchen countertop or vanity, you’ll want to address any concerns you have about etching and staining. Still, marble has been used for centuries in countless applications around the world, making it a beautiful choice for your countertop. Many homeowners choose to hone or leather the surface of their marble countertops to help disguise the imperfections that appear over time. To see a real application of marble, visit our showroom where we have a Calacatta marble island with 18+ years of wear & tear. One of our knowledgeable stone consultants will be happy to help you figure out if marble is right for you!
Details about its resistance
SCRATCH RESISTANCE: Quartzite is not easily susceptible to scratches. It will take daily wear and tear very well!
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STAIN RESISTANCE: A true quartzite WILL NOT etch as marble can. Porosity can vary with different kinds of quartzites, so it is important to go over porosity concerns with your project professional. Typically, properly sealing your quartzite will help with porosity concerns.
HEAT RESISTANCE: Use in the kitchen is ideal because quartzite can tolerate very high temperatures without damage, but it is always recommended that you use a trivet when putting hot items directly on the surface.
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WEATHER/UV RESISTANCE: Quartzite is a great option for outdoor applications. Being exposed to the elements, it is likely that signs of wear & tear will appear faster. It is important to keep up with a sealer to prevent your countertop from absorbing moisture. It is recommended that you keep a cover over your outdoor countertop while not in use, and a shelter structure over your countertop is ideal.
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Unfortunately, many marbles out there are mislabeled as quartzites. The most commonly mislabeled material is Super White, often called Super White Quartzite. Super White is actually a dolomitic marble - AKA a very hard marble. Imagine installing a material you believe to be quartzite, and within weeks the true nature of the material shows itself by revealing an etch mark or stain. If you are not expecting this to happen, it can be quite frustrating. EleMar tests all their quartzites with acid, ensuring that they are true quartzites. We are happy to help you identify questionable materials you may find!
How do I take care of quartzite?
It is recommended that you seal your quartzite countertops yearly (or follow factory instructions on the sealer you use) to prevent liquid absorption.
Educational information extracted from Elemar New England