Benyee Quartz Vs. Quartzite Counters
Benyee Quartz Vs. Quartzite Counters
Although frequently confused, countertops made from quartz and quartzite contain different materials; one consists of cutting slabs from natural stone while the other is an engineered product. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that contains sandstone pockmarked with quartz. It becomes quartzite when exposed to the heat and pressure in the Earth's crust. The stone is quarried and cut into slabs for countertops.
Quartz countertops are not made entirely of natural stone; they are an engineered product. Quartz is mined and then mixed with synthetic materials to create these hard-surface countertops. Only about 93 percent of the countertop contains quartz. Because they are two different materials, each countertop type have individual characteristics and pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
· Not as hard and durable as quartzite
· Resin in quartz can melts when exposed to excessive heat
· Does not dent or chip
· Easy maintenance, wipe clean with damp cloth
· Requires use of cutting board because knives can scratch it
· Wider range of colors because its an engineered product.
Pros and Cons of Quartzite Countertops
· All natural stone, no resins
· Requires annual sealing to protect against stains and spills
· Much more durable; can withstand high temperatures
· Can be dent or chipped
· Limited color choices
· Comparable cost to quartz countertops.
Color Choices
Though there are some color variations in quartzite depending on the minerals deposited in the sandstone, quartzite is generally available in hues of gray, pink and red. Because color can be added along with the synthetic materials in the counter, quartz countertops offer more color options; it can be colored to mimic granite.
Since the colors in quartz countertops are added during the manufacturing process, it has more susceptibility to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. This makes quartz a poor choice for outdoor bars and patio cooking stations.
Durability and Longevity
Both quartz and quartzite countertops are quite durable. While granite measures a 6 or 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, quartzite and natural quartz both measure at 7. Quartz countertops, however, are slightly softer and more flexible than quartzite due to their synthetic components. Quartzite is also more heat resistant, with quartz countertops melting at temperatures of 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Maintenance Matters
Quartz countertops are easier to maintain than their quartzite counterparts. Both wipe clean with a damp cloth, but quartzite must be sealed when installed and resealed once or twice a year thereafter. Quartzite wipes clean easily when properly sealed, but skipping a sealing may allow stains to seep into and discolor the countertop.