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Quartzite Explained: Benefits, Drawbacks, and How to Choose the Right Slab

September 22, 2025

Quartzite has become one of the most requested countertop materials among Cleveland homeowners who want luxury, durability, and a truly natural surface that elevates a space. Its marble-like elegance paired with exceptional hardness makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic living areas. At Design Surfaces in Westlake, serving homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland, we help you compare full quartzite slabs in person so you can understand their movement, veining, and natural variations. If you are considering quartzite for your home, this guide explains everything you should know about its performance, strengths, drawbacks, and how to choose the perfect slab.

What Is Quartzite and Why It Stands Out

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed when sandstone undergoes intense heat and pressure. During this transformation, individual quartz grains fuse together, creating a dense, incredibly strong surface that offers both beauty and performance.

Quartzite is often compared to marble because of its veining and organic movement, but it surpasses marble in strength and everyday practicality. Unlike engineered quartz, which blends resins with crushed quartz crystals, quartzite is one hundred percent natural stone. Every slab tells its own visual story, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind countertop.

Key traits of quartzite include:

  • Striking veining similar to marble
  • High density for long-term durability
  • Natural resistance to heat and sunlight
  • Unique colors and patterns shaped by geology
  • A luxurious, elegant aesthetic suitable for modern and traditional homes

At Design Surfaces, viewing full slabs allows you to see the depth, movement, and undertones that smaller samples cannot show.

Top Benefits of Quartzite Countertops

1. Exceptional Hardness and Strength

Quartzite is one of the hardest natural countertop materials available. Many quartzite slabs rate above a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they resist scratching, etching, and everyday wear better than marble and even many granites.

2. Marble-Like Beauty Without the Fragility

Homeowners who love the bright whites and dramatic veining of marble often choose quartzite for its similar visual appeal. Quartzite offers the look of luxury with much stronger performance in kitchens and bathrooms.

3. High Heat Tolerance

Quartzite forms under extreme heat, so it naturally handles high temperatures in the kitchen. While trivets are still recommended, quartzite is more forgiving than engineered quartz.

4. UV Resistance

Quartzite does not discolor under sunlight, which makes it a great option for bright kitchens, bathrooms with natural light, and even some outdoor installations.

5. Unique and Natural Variation

No engineered surface can replicate the originality of quartzite. Each slab has its own pattern, mineral composition, and visual movement, giving your home a custom feel that cannot be duplicated.

Drawbacks of Quartzite to Consider

Quartzite is premium and high-performing, but it is important to understand its limitations before selecting it.

1. Sealing and Maintenance Requirements

Quartzite is less porous than marble but still requires sealing once a year to prevent stains from oils, wine, or highly pigmented liquids.

2. Higher Investment Price

Because quartzite is quarried, rare, and complex to fabricate, it is often more expensive than granite or quartz. Premium colors can be especially costly.

3. Limited Color Range

Quartzite’s natural palette includes whites, creams, grays, beiges, greens, and occasional blues. Homeowners looking for bright or saturated colors may prefer engineered quartz.

4. Challenging Fabrication

Quartzite’s hardness makes it difficult to cut, which can increase fabrication costs. Professional installation is essential for clean seams and accurate fitting.

5. Visible Seams in Large Layouts

Just like granite, quartzite slabs may show seams in long countertops or oversized islands. Skilled fabricators can minimize their visibility.

Quartzite Compared to Other Countertop Materials

Quartzite vs Quartz

Quartzite is natural, heat tolerant, and unique. Quartz is engineered, nonporous, and more uniform in appearance. Both are durable but appeal to different design needs.

Quartzite vs Granite

Granite is widely available and durable. Quartzite is often harder and more luxurious, offering a refined, marble-inspired appearance.

Quartzite vs Marble

Marble is elegant but soft, porous, and prone to etching. Quartzite provides a similar aesthetic with significantly more strength and easier maintenance.

How to Care for Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is low maintenance with the right habits.

  • Seal surfaces once a year
  • Wipe spills quickly to prevent staining
  • Clean with mild dish soap and warm water
  • Use cutting boards to protect the sealant
  • Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing pads
  • Use trivets or hot pads under cookware

With basic upkeep, quartzite maintains its beauty and performance for decades.

Cost Considerations for Quartzite

Quartzite typically ranges from 80 to 150 dollars per square foot installed, depending on:

  • Rarity of the stone
  • Origin of the quarry
  • Slab thickness and edge profile
  • Complexity of fabrication
  • Current availability

Exotic options like Taj Mahal, White Macaubas, Azul Macaubas, and Cristallo often fall at the higher end of the range.

How to Choose the Right Quartzite Slab

1. View Full Slabs in Person

The natural movement of quartzite can only be appreciated in full slabs. At Design Surfaces, you can compare several pieces side by side.

2. Compare Undertones with Cabinetry

Quartzite often has subtle warm or cool undertones. Bringing cabinet samples or photos helps you select a cohesive match.

3. Evaluate Lighting in Your Home

Northeast Ohio homes often have softer natural light, especially in winter. Slabs with reflective minerals or lighter coloring can brighten a room.

4. Consider How You Cook and Live

Families who cook frequently may prefer denser, tightly grained quartzite varieties that resist staining more easily.

5. Choose the Right Finish

Polished quartzite offers shine and easier cleaning. Honed quartzite provides a soft, matte look but may require more frequent sealing.

Why Work with Design Surfaces for Quartzite

Design Surfaces offers one of Northeast Ohio’s most curated quartzite selections, with full slab viewing and expert guidance at every step. Our team is trusted by homeowners, designers, and contractors across Cleveland for helping them compare quartzite with granite, quartz, marble, and dolomite to make informed design decisions.

You will find:

  • Premium quartzite slabs sourced from leading suppliers
  • Support in pairing quartzite with cabinetry, tile, hardware, and flooring
  • Clear guidance on care, sealing, and long-term maintenance
  • A showroom experience centered on inspiration and education

Bring Home a Quartzite Countertop That Elevates Your Space

Quartzite delivers unmatched natural beauty and long-term durability for kitchens, bathrooms, and custom living spaces. If you want marble-inspired elegance with stronger performance, quartzite is an exceptional choice. Visit the Design Surfaces showroom in Westlake to explore full slabs in person, compare colors and patterns, and work with experts who understand the needs of Cleveland homeowners. Let us help you select a quartzite countertop that brings lasting value, luxury, and natural artistry into your home.

​​Call: 440.899.9900 • Contact: Submit a Request • Email: info@designsurfaces.com