Quartzite is a natural stone renowned for its beauty and durability. It captivated homeowners and interior designers thanks to its elegance, versatility, and longevity. Ranging from its aesthetic appeal to its functional benefits, quartzite is a top choice and it is one of the most popular countertop materials.
Quartzite can be used in a variety of ways in a wide range of areas. It can be utilized as kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, vanity tops, island tops, backsplashes, tiles, walls, flooring, fireplace surrounds, outside kitchenette countertops, and more. Keep reading to find out more about quartzite uses and applications to decide if it is the right choice for you.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock. It is formed when sandstone undergoes immense amounts of heat and pressure in the crust of the Earth. As it undergoes the metamorphic process, it recrystallizes and turns into a very strong, dense, and durable stone. It is characterized by interlocking quartz grains that give the slabs a combination of elegance and practicality.
The natural creation of quartzite takes millions of years and results in its signature patterns that give it visual interest and movement. Moreover, quartzite offers not only aesthetic but also practical benefits. It can resist heat, scratches, cracks, chips, and more thanks to its density and strength. This makes quartzite a favored option among homeowners who are looking to elevate their space with both beauty and function.
Advantages of Quartzite Countertops
The advantages of quartzite countertops are too much to count. Its many benefits are the reason why it is considered to be one of the most premium materials for home improvement projects.
One of the biggest advantages of quartzite countertops is that they are highly resistant to heat. In other words, you can place hot pots and pans directly on quartzite countertops without having to worry about causing scorch or burn marks. This is an especially important benefit for kitchen countertops.
Another great benefit of quartzite is that it is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The most common color options for quartzite are light and neutral tones such as cream, beige, and light gray tones. However, bright and bold colors like blue, red, pink, and orange are also available. With these colors, you will be able to express your personality through the design.
Popular Quartzite Uses and Applications
Quartzite is an incredibly versatile stone that can be used for a range of purposes. Here are some of the most common quartzite uses and applications.
Countertops are undoubtedly the most common and widespread use of quartzite. Its strength, durability, and easy-to-clean surface make it an ideal option for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops.
Moreover, as it is a UV resistant stone, it can be used in outdoor spaces. Other stones without UV resistance might get discolored after continuous contact with sunrays, however quartzite will maintain its pristine condition.
Quartzite is also a great option for flooring. Its strength ensures it can handle the foot traffic without showing wear and tear. It can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms to create a cohesive throughout the room.
Quartzite in Kitchens
Quartzite slabs are an amazingly stunning addition to any kitchen. The natural vein patterns it supports offer movement to the space, creating an effortless centerpiece in the room. Moreover, it is highly resistant to scratches, therefore it is less likely to be damaged by sharp objects such as knives and scissors. With that being said, professionals advise using cutting boards to ensure the stone can maintain its looks for a longer period.
In addition, the polished surface of quartzite countertops reflects the light beautifully, which helps brighten the space and add a luxurious appearance. Its wide range of colors and patterns allows homeowners the opportunity to pick a slab that integrates seamlessly with their kitchen. Modern to traditional, farmhouse to industrial, quartzite countertops can be paired with and elevate every design style.
Quartzite in Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor uses such as a pool surround demand materials that are extremely resistant and durable as they get subjected to direct sunlight, rain, and a myriad of other elements. Quartzite delivers great results on every front. Its UV resistance ensures that its gorgeous colors and patterns won’t fade over time. Moreover, its inherent strength means that it won’t get structural damage easily.
Quartzite can be used for pool decks. Quartzite is naturally slip-resistant, meaning it is a great option for areas surrounding water. It can also be used for garden pathways. Its natural patterns will complement the surrounding greenery nicely while offering a table and a long-lasting pathway. Quartzite’s durability and beauty make it an ideal choice for striking outdoor areas. Sleek quartzite countertops will look great on outside kitchens.
Quartzite Maintenance Tips
As mentioned before, quartzite is an incredibly durable stone, however, as with all other materials it does require some maintenance. To ensure that your quartzite countertops can remain in their pristine condition you should apply proper sealing so the dirt and debris won’t be able to seep into the stone. Quartzite is less porous than alternatives like marble, however, it is still necessary to reseal it.
Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning supplies while cleaning quartzite countertops. As a natural stone quartzite can be vulnerable against overly harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive supplies like steel wool. Instead you can use cleaners made specifically for quartzite or you can opt for mild dish soap which will disintegrate the grease and grime without striping the stone.
Wiping the countertop regularly using s soft cloth or sponge is an especially important step if you are living in a region with hard water. Hard water can cause water stains the minerals in it can build up over time. Wiping the countertops dry will help eliminate this issue.
Quartzite Hardness and Durability
The durability of quartzite is one of the most prominent and influential features of the stone. It has a score of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it is even harder than granite, which is a stone known for its hardness, strength, and durability.
Quartzite can resist daily wear and tear without any issues, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Moreover, it can carry heavy appliances without warping over time.
Even in busy households with small children and pets, quartzite proves itself to be a wise investment. Although the initial cost of quartzite is higher than manufactured materials like laminate, quartzite won’t require frequent replacements, making it more budget-friendly in the long run.
Comparing Quartzite to Other Stones
Understanding quartzite uses and applications is the first step in making the best-informed decision for your home. The second step should be to compare quartzite to other stones to see which one fits your lifestyle and needs the best.
Marble is a stone known for its beauty and elegance. It has long been associated with luxury and opulence. However, it is also a soft stone with a Mohs score that ranges around 3. This means that marble can be scratched much easier than quartzite. If you want to invest in a long-lasting stone that won’t require too much maintenance, quartzite is the right choice for you.
Quartz is an engineered stone. It is not porous, meaning it won’t need to be sealed as the sealants are already mixed into the quartz countertops during its manufacturing process. Although it has the major benefit of not needing to be sealed, quartz is also not heat resistant for this reason. The added resins are not heat-resistant, therefore you can’t place hot pots and pans on quartz countertops.
Quartz uses and applications cover a range of purposes across a variety of areas in your residential or commercial property. Quartzite combines the best features of each stone and offers a well-rounded surface that will meet every need. It has the durability of granite, the elegance of marble, and the low maintenance of quartz. By investing in quartzite, you wil be investing in a stone that offers the perfect balance of functionality and beauty.
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