Granite and quartzite are both natural stones with serious durability, and homeowners often weigh them against each other when they want an authentic stone surface that can handle a busy kitchen. They share a lot, but there are meaningful differences in look, hardness, and care. Here is an honest comparison.
What they have in common
Both granite and quartzite are 100% natural stones, quarried and cut into unique slabs. Both are hard, heat-resistant, and built to last decades. Both are porous to some degree and benefit from periodic sealing. If you want genuine natural stone rather than an engineered surface, either one is a strong, honest choice.
Hardness
Quartzite edges out granite on raw hardness, ranking about 7 on the Mohs scale versus granite’s roughly 6 to 6.5. In everyday terms both are extremely tough and scratch-resistant, but quartzite is marginally harder. The difference is real but rarely decisive for typical kitchen use — both will outlast most other surfaces.
Appearance
This is usually the deciding factor. Granite tends toward speckled, crystalline, grainy movement with rich mineral depth and a huge range of colors. Quartzite tends toward flowing, marble-like veining in lighter, luminous palettes. If you want the look of marble, quartzite is your stone; if you want bold, granular, dramatic natural movement, granite delivers. Seeing full slabs in person makes the choice obvious.
Heat and scratch resistance
Both handle heat well — you can place hot cookware on either without the scorching risk you would have with quartz. Both resist scratches from everyday cooking. In daily performance, granite and quartzite are very close; neither will let you down in a working kitchen.
Sealing and care
Both should be sealed periodically — typically about once a year — and both clean up with mild soap and water. Quartzite is often slightly less porous than some granites, but treat both as natural stones that benefit from a yearly seal. See how to seal granite and do quartzite countertops need sealing.
Cost
Quartzite typically runs a bit higher than granite, roughly $70 to $140 per square foot installed versus granite’s $50 to $110, largely because desirable quartzite is rarer and harder to fabricate. Exotic versions of either stone reach the top of the range. For full details, see our Middle Tennessee price guide.
Which should you choose?
Choose granite for bold, granular movement, the widest color range, and a generally lower price. Choose quartzite for the marble look, slightly higher hardness, and a lighter, more luminous aesthetic — accepting a somewhat higher cost. Both are excellent natural stones. Explore all options in our materials comparison guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartzite harder than granite?
Slightly. Quartzite ranks about 7 on the Mohs scale versus roughly 6 to 6.5 for granite. Both are very hard.
Which is more expensive, granite or quartzite?
Quartzite is usually more expensive because desirable slabs are rarer and tougher to fabricate.
Do both need sealing?
Yes. As natural stones, both benefit from sealing about once a year.
Compare natural stones in person
See granite and quartzite side by side at our Murfreesboro showroom, or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.