Both quartz and quartzite are popular choices for countertop surfaces, tile backsplashes, and other decorative areas of the home. While the two stones probably seem extremely similar, they do have critical differences. Before we talk about caring for these two types of stone, let’s discuss the differences between the two.
Differences Between Quartz and Quartzite
The major difference between these two stones is their composition. While it may seem like both stones are the same, they are actually very different. Quartz is a mineral that is found in a number of different countertop materials like granite, slate, and soapstone. Quartz countertops are made out of natural silicon dioxide and other synthetic materials. Quartz makes up between 90 to 93 percent of the materials in quartz countertops. To get their color, quartz countertops contain polymer resins with pigments added.
Quartzite is actually a metamorphic rock that is created when quartz sandstone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure. The stone is then mined and turned into countertops. All colors of quartzite are natural. The colors are determined by the presence of additional minerals in the stone.
Caring for Quartz and Quartzite Countertops
For the most part, quartz and quartzite should be cared for in the same manner. Both will need special care due to the fact that they are natural stone surfaces. This special care begins with using a specialized stone cleaning product for day-to-day cleaning needs. You want to choose a product that was made specifically to clean natural stone without causing damage like etching.
Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner isn’t just for granite. It is made to be used on all types of natural stone surfaces. For this reason, it is the perfect cleaner for quartz and quartzite countertops. Even though both of these stones are very different, Rock Doctor Granite & Quartz Cleaner is formulated to be gentle and free of the harsh chemicals that can lead to problems like etching, staining, and more.
Cleaning your stone countertops daily is the perfect way to prevent damage to the quartz or quartzite. While daily cleaning may seem excessive, if you are using your countertops every day, you are very likely to have spills that could lead to expensive damage on your quartz or quartzite countertops.
While cleaning is one of the most crucial pieces of the quartz and quartzite care routine, there are other things that need to be done to keep these stone countertops in good condition. The first thing you should consider is polishing your quartz or quartzite countertops. While the main goal of polishing quartz or quartzite is to make the countertops shiny, there are other benefits as well. When you polish your granite countertops, you keep them protected from moisture.
The topic of sealing countertops isn’t quite as simple. Porous surfaces need to be sealed frequently to prevent damage to the stone. Quartzite is a porous stone, so moisture can get inside the pores and cause damage. When you have a quartzite countertop, you will need to seal the surface at least once a year. Since quartzite is porous, it requires more maintenance than quartz countertops.
Quartz countertops are made with resin, and this resin binds the minerals in the stone together, so the surface is non-porous. Non-porous surfaces don’t need to be sealed. When your quartz countertops are installed, the contractor or builder will apply a sealer. This sealer will last for a very long time on a quartz countertop without putting the stone in danger.
It is important to note that both of these stone surfaces also have different properties. For example, quartz is more vulnerable to heat and sunlight damage like cracking and fading. For this reason, quartz is not a good option for outdoor kitchens. Quartzite is more scratch-resistant than quartz, and it is both more heat-resistant and harder than quartz as well.
If you are considering either of these stones for the countertops in your home, you need to know how to care for your countertops. With the help of Rock Doctor’s natural stone care line, you can be sure that your quartz or quartzite countertops look their very best for decades to come.
