Quartzite has become one of the most requested countertop materials in Middle Tennessee, and for good reason — it pairs the elegant look of marble with durability that rivals granite. But there is also a lot of confusion about what quartzite actually is, especially because its name sounds so similar to engineered quartz. Here is a clear homeowner’s guide.
What is quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone. It begins as sandstone, then heat and pressure deep in the earth fuse the quartz grains into a dense, hard stone shot through with flowing veins. The result is a 100% natural material — quarried and cut into unique slabs — that often looks remarkably like marble but performs much more like granite. Each slab is one of a kind.
Quartzite is not the same as quartz
This is the most common point of confusion. Quartz countertops are engineered — manufactured from ground stone and resin, with consistent, repeatable patterns and a non-porous surface. Quartzite is a natural stone, with unique veining and the need for periodic sealing. They share part of a name and both contain the mineral quartz, but they are fundamentally different products. If you want the natural look, you want quartzite; if you want zero maintenance and uniformity, you want engineered quartz.
Why homeowners love it
Quartzite’s appeal comes down to a rare combination: it delivers the soft, luminous, marble-like beauty so many homeowners want, while being hard enough — around 7 on the Mohs scale — to stand up to a real working kitchen. It resists scratches and etching far better than marble and handles heat well. For anyone who has fallen for the marble look but worried about the upkeep, quartzite is often the perfect answer. See the head-to-head in quartzite vs. marble.
Does quartzite need maintenance?
Some, but not much. Quartzite is less porous than marble but still benefits from sealing, typically about once a year, especially in a kitchen where oils and acidic liquids are common. Day-to-day cleaning is simple — mild soap and water. We cover this fully in do quartzite countertops need sealing.
A note on “soft quartzite”
Because quartzite is trendy and commands a premium, some softer stones are occasionally sold under the quartzite name. True quartzite is very hard; a reputable fabricator can verify a slab’s authenticity so you know exactly what you are buying. This is one more reason to work with an experienced, in-house fabricator and to select your actual slab in person.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartzite natural or man-made?
Natural. It is a metamorphic stone quarried from the earth, unlike engineered quartz, which is manufactured.
Is quartzite better than granite?
It is slightly harder and offers a more marble-like look, but granite is more affordable and comes in a wider color range. Both are excellent natural stones.
Does quartzite scratch easily?
No. With a hardness around 7, quartzite is highly scratch-resistant — one of its main advantages over marble.
See quartzite slabs in person
The best way to appreciate quartzite is to see it at full scale. Visit our Murfreesboro showroom or request a free quote. Call (615) 606-9593.