TikTok Unveils A Stunning Countertop Type That'll Make Your Kitchen A Showstopper

Designing the kitchen of your dreams is a lot of work. You have to finalize the countertops, pick a complementary backsplash, choose compatible cabinets, and decide on other decor elements that will go with the room's layout. But what if there were a countertop that would suit all design schemes and color palettes? Enter Taj Mahal quartzite. This natural stone countertop has been dominating kitchen countertop trends on TikTok and will make your kitchen a showstopper.

Named after one of the seven modern wonders of the world due to a similar look and feel, the Taj Mahal in India, Taj Mahal quartzite is best known for its stunning texture and elegant appearance. These stone slabs usually come in warm shades like white, cream, gray, and taupe with marble-like veining in gold, brown, or beige. Though the color and swirls differ from slab to slab, this quartzite countertop will add character to your kitchen and might increase your home's value if you ever sell it. However, Taj Mahal quartzite isn't capturing hearts left and right with just its aesthetic appeal. The natural stone is also durable and easy to maintain.

One of the key reasons homeowners are going gaga over Taj Mahal quartzite is that these natural stones combine the strength of granite with the striking features and looks of marble. Another compelling reason is these countertops can withstand heat, UV rays, and stains with elan. Consisting of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other organic minerals, the metamorphic slabs undergo extreme pressure and heat to become quartzite from sandstone. The process causes the sand grains to recrystallize, giving the quartzite slabs a distinct color and veining pattern.

Extracted from the quarries of Brazil, Taj Mahal quartzite is scratch- and spill-resistant, provided you seal the counters occasionally. Additionally, it's quite hard and scores a cool 7 points on the Mohs hardness scale. Simply put, the countertop material is incredibly durable and beats granite and marble with a rating of 6 to 6.5 and 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, respectively. Plus, it's not porous, AKA doesn't absorb water as readily as its quartzite brethren. It's also easy to clean and maintain — soap and water will work fine. However, these benefits come at a cost. Taj Mahal quartzite is one of the most expensive options, and you might have to shell out between $100 and $220 per square foot for the material alone. Installation costs, edge treatments, and type of finish will drive the price higher.