Quartzite is the new, albeit incredibly old, natural stone on everyone’s lips right now. In fact, some industry insiders predict its unique charms might soon rival marble’s popularity amid those who prefer their worktops au naturel. At Roundhouse, our designers have long been passionate about quartzite – but lately, we’re getting more questions about what it actually is and how it compares to manmade quartz. The truth is, while they share many similarities (and not just in their names), they each bring unique qualities to the table, or rather kitchen! Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of both materials to help you narrow down your kitchen worktops ideas.

The science bit

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock, formed from sandstone that has undergone intense heat and pressure over millions of years. This process transforms the original minerals into a dense, crystalline material that’s incredibly strong and durable. The natural veining and colour variations in quartzite worktops make each slab unique, not to mention exceptionally beautiful. Our Avenue project featuring back-lit Patagonia Quartzite is simply stunning.

While tougher than granite and marble, quartzite is a natural stone, which means it can be porous if not effectively sealed. However, it is incredibly good on heat-resistance. We always recommend using heatproof boards or trivets, whatever worktop you choose, but in theory it should be possible to place hot pots and pans directly on quartzite without risk of damage.

Quartz worktops are engineered surfaces composed of about 90-95% natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. There are various brands, each with their own formulas. Being manmade, it’s easier to achieve colour and pattern consistency, which is a bonus if you’re seeking uniform slabs. But quartz also comes in designs that mimic the variance and uniqueness of natural stones, with increasingly impressive accuracy.

Quartz doesn’t require sealants to maintain its non-porosity and you’d have to be doing some fairly extreme cooking to damage this manmade surface. The resin content in quartz means it can sometimes be susceptible to heat damage – but we’re talking high temperatures for prolonged periods. Trivets are your friend!

Let’s talk money

When it comes to hard cash, both quartz and quartzite worktops can be hard to compare as there are many variables to consider. Generally speaking, it’s safe to say quartz worktops tend to be more budget-friendly, but that will depend on the brand you go for, the size and thickness of the slabs and the complexity of the patterning. More intricate (impressive) designs are more labour intensive to make and that’s reflected in the price.

Quartzite worktops are classified as luxury surfaces and you can expect to pay more, sometimes significantly more, based on rarity, colour depth and spectacular veining – as well as the usual size/thickness dynamics. Installation and fabrication may well be more expensive, too, as quartzite is heavier, and the veining is more variable and harder to match across joins.

Which is easiest to live with?

When thinking about how to choose a kitchen worktop, maintenance considerations should be a big priority, and we encourage our customers to be really honest with themselves about the level of maintenance they will actually do! While both surfaces should be easy to clean with a damp cloth, quartz worktops are easily the superior choice with regards to longer term maintenance, because they don’t require re-sealing or polishing.

With quartzite you must be prepared for an extra level of upkeep to prevent stains and ensure they stay easy to clean. There are specialist companies that will handle this for you if preferred, but it’s labour intensive and can be messy if buffing or polishing is required. If a beautiful quartzite like the Vitoria Regia in our Brown project has captured your heart, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth a little extra effort! 

Environmental considerations

From an eco-friendly shopping perspective, each material has its own pros and cons – you may wish to delve deeper into the manufacturing processes of individual brands/stone suppliers before you can make a fully-informed decision.

Quartz worktops are man-made and rely on resins and pigments and a degree of chemical processing, which often leads to a higher carbon footprint during production. However, most reputable quartz brands are serious about reducing and off-setting their carbon footprint.

The environmental impact of quartzite usually revolves around quarrying and transportation, and again each supplier will have different ways of minimising/off-setting the environmental impact. Transportation aside, quartzite can be a more sustainable choice purely because there is less processing/manufacturing involved.

However, it’s worth remembering that both quartzite and quartz worktops should last a lifetime, leading to less waste over time.

Conclusions

Both quartz and quartzite worktops come with unique benefits and challenges, so choosing the right one often depends on which best complements your new kitchen’s design style. Whether you favour the engineered precision of quartz or the naturally distinctive charm of quartzite, we invite you to visit your nearest Roundhouse showroom to experience these materials firsthand and explore their exciting potential.

For more inspiration, download the Roundhouse brochure and explore our stunning kitchen designs and worktop options.