Quartz and quartzite countertops are popular with American consumers. Based on recent industry surveys “engineered quartz has emerged as the leading choice among homeowners, with 51 percent of kitchen renovation projects featuring quartz countertops, followed by granite at 29 percent.”1 While consumers often confuse quartz and quartzite they are not the same in composition or characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the differences between quartz and quartzite from one of our countertop installation experts.
Quartz Countertops
A quartz countertop is an engineered product that combines natural quartz and minerals with synthetic materials such as polymers, resins and pigments. Quartz countertops are made up of nearly 93 percent natural stone.2 By adding pigments to the quartz manufacturers have the ability to create a broad range of stunning countertop colors from light blues to deep pinks or even violet and orange.3
That isn’t where the creativity and diversity stops. Manufacturers also have the ability to produce unique fleck and veining patterns in quartz countertops.
Caring for Quartz
Maintenance and durability are big factors in the choice of quartz as a countertop material. Because quartz countertops are an engineered product the manufacturers add resins that make the engineered stone surface non-porous, so sealing is not required.4 Spills are easily wiped up and don’t stain the quartz countertop surface, which also doesn’t collect and hold bacteria.
More Durable than Granite
Durability is also a plus with quartz countertops. The resins and polymers that bind the quartz stone make a quartz countertop very durable, resisting scratches, cracking and chipping. Geologists use a scale for measuring mineral hardness and scratch resistance, called the Mohs scale, and quartz and quartzite are rated a 7 out of 10, with 10 being the hardest/most scratch resistant.
Granite has a rating of 6 to 7 and marble has a rating of between 3 and 4.5 Quartz countertops can be damaged by heat, however, so it is best to protect a quartz countertop from a hot pan.
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is not a man-made (also known as engineered) product. It is actually natural stone which was formed when sandstone is subject to extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth’s surface.6 Quartzite is the countertop choice for homeowners who desire a more natural, earthy look to their kitchens. Quartzite has natural veining patterns similar to marble but is much more durable and maintenance-free, especially in a kitchen setting.
Quartzite Needs to Be Sealed
After mining the quartzite is cut into slabs, polished and sealed before being installed as a countertop material. It is recommended that quartzite be sealed once or twice per year to prevent staining and etching. Coffee, wine and other acidic liquids can easily stain quartzite so spills should be cleaned immediately.
Not as Durable as Quartz
Always use a cutting board, as quartzite has a tendency to scratch. Quartzite is durable and heat resistant, but hot items can scorch the countertop. Like quartz countertops, quartzite countertops just require periodic cleaning with mild dish soap and water.
Both quartz and quartzite are good choices to use for kitchen countertops. Both can also be used for bathroom vanities and backsplashes.
Why Austin Homeowners Choose Us for Quartz Countertops
Texas Granite Group provides expert countertop services for any space in your Austin area home including kitchens and bathrooms. We specialize in affordable design and installation of quartz, granite, marble, quartzite and more. Everything is housed onsite in a wide variety of colors, patterns and sizes, making your kitchen remodel easy to complete.
Visit with one of our professional designers in our countertop store, they can help you with countertop sales, design and an installation plan for a seamless experience.
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1 North America Countertop Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 – 2030)
Link: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/north-america-counter-top-market
2 Learn the Major Pros and Cons to Quartz, by Deane Biermeier and Samantha Allen, 5/3/2023
Link: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/kitchen/quartz-countertops-pros-cons/
3 What’s the Difference? Quartz vs. Quartzite by Manasa Reddigari and Bob Vila, 10/18/2020
Link: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/quartz-vs-quartzite/
4 13 Pros & Cons of Quartz Countertops: Are They Worth the High Price? by Andrew Palermo, 5/8/2025
Link: https://prudentreviews.com/quartz-countertops-pros-cons/
5 Understanding Stone Hardness Ratings for Countertops
Link: https://allamericangranite.com/understanding-stone-hardness-ratings-for-countertops/
6 What to Know About Quartzite Countertops Before You Remodel Your Kitchen by Jessica Bennett, 2/10/2025
Link: https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/countertop/quartzite-countertops-guide/