What Are Quartzite Countertops (And Do They Have Any Downsides?)

Nothing gives your kitchen new life quite like updating your countertops. For a luxurious feel, many homeowners pick natural stones that are known for their beauty and durability, like marble, granite, and quartz. Lately, you might have heard a lot about another natural stone called "quartzite." Although quartzite is a solid option for countertops, it is an expensive material and you should be aware of its downsides before making any commitment. 

While quartzite sounds similar to another popular stone, there is a difference between quartz and quartzite countertops. Actual quartz is a mineral. Its countertops are made of a mix of pulverized quartz, resins, and coloring. Quartzite, however, is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone that has been exposed to intense heat and pressure. It shares the same properties as many other natural stones, like being porous. This makes quartzite vulnerable to stains and bacterial buildup. If you install it in your home, you need to regularly seal it like you would marble countertops. 

Recently, quartzite has seen a rise in popularity due to its incredible beauty. Natural quartzite is white or gray, but you can find it pigmented in shades of pink, yellow, purple, orange, and more. On TikTok, many users predicted that cristallo gold quartzite would be one of the hottest kitchen countertop trends of the year. Beauty comes at a cost, though. Quartzite is priced at roughly $30 to $150 per square foot. That high price point is typical for natural stones overall. Marble, for example, costs about $15 to $150 per square foot.

One of the biggest downsides of quartzite is that if you're not careful, you may not get the real deal. Sometimes, you may find marble, dolomitic marble, or even sandstone marked as "quartzite." It's important to ensure that you are purchasing actual quartzite so you know how to properly care for your countertops. You can test a slab to see if it's real quartzite by placing vinegar or lemon on it. Wait 15 minutes before wiping off the liquid and examining the stone. If you notice that the counter looks altered in any way, including etching, lightening, or darkening, then it's not real quartzite. 

Another downside of quartzite to keep in mind is that it's a difficult material to work with. To start, quartzite weighs around 20 pounds per square foot, with a slab coming out to roughly 1,200 pounds. For comparison, a granite slab only weighs around 1,000 pounds or 13 pounds per square foot. Since quartzite is so heavy, you may need to reinforce your countertop structure to ensure it can actually hold up the weight. In addition, quartzite is incredibly strong, so it needs to be cut with diamond cutters. Overall, these factors mean quartzite is not great for DIY installation, and you should budget for an experienced professional. 

It's hard to deny that quartzite is having its moment. Although quartzite has many benefits and is an excellent countertop choice for resale value, knowing its limitations can help you better determine if quartzite is the right material for your home.