Deciding on which stone to use for your home decoration can be very hard, especially for a first-time shopper. An inexperienced eye might not even be able to tell which one is which at first glance. But that doesn’t mean these stones are the same and have similar characteristics.
Even though they have some similar qualities and serve the same function, marble, and quartzite have as many differences as they have similarities. Therefore knowing the differences between marble and quartzite and deciding accordingly can help a homeowner immensely in the long run. Keep reading to learn more about marble vs. quartzite and determine which is the right choice for you and your house.
Similarities Between Marble and Quartzite
Both marble and quartzite will increase the resale value of your property if you ever decide to resell it. As they are both durable materials, buyers will be satisfied knowing that the counters won’t need to be remodeled anytime soon. Even though marble tends to wow the crowds more than quartzite because of its elegant look, both of these materials will be definite selling points.
Both marble and quartzite are natural materials, making them excellent choices for those who want to beautify their interiors with the gifts of mother nature.
Marble and quartzite support free-flowing veins of natural tones on top of smooth cream or white backgrounds. They can have the occasional speckles and splatters of cool grays or browns mixed in. Marble and quartzite tend to be available in similar neutral color palettes and patterns. The two stones can be styled to fit into different interior decoration styles and aesthetics thanks to their neutral, earthy tones and minimal patterns.
Marble has a naturally glossy finish. Even though quartzite lacks that quality, it can easily be made to have a similar glossy look via polishing techniques.
Differences Between Marble and Quartzite
Their porosity plays a significant role in making a choice between the two as it affects how durable it is. As marble is comprised of calcium calcite, it is a relatively soft and porous material. This porousness means that it is susceptible to staining and discoloration in the case of spills.
Because the liquid is able to seep into the stone and get in between the marble particles, it can cause permanent discoloration. On the other hand, as quartzite is less porous than marble, it is unlikely that your quartzite countertops will get stained.
As mentioned, marble is a softer stone than quartzite. On the other hand, quartzite will show less wear and tear, stains, scratches, and cracks, thanks to being harder. It will look new and untarnished for years while also requiring minimal care. However, many people like marble because marble grows older; it ages like fine wine. It will show wear and tear, yet it will gain a lived-in look full of personality and character.
The softness also impacts how easily customizable the stone is and how easily it can be installed. Marble is much easier to work with and customize as a softer stone. Quartzite can also be shaped and sized according to fit into the space, but a lot of specialized equipment and tools will need to be used to cut, shape, and fabricate the slab. Cutting and fitting a marble slab to your desired size and shape is much less tedious, which is the same reason why sculptors have favored marble for centuries!
Marble can indeed be a bit high maintenance compared to quartzite. It requires special care in certain aspects. For example, it can not come into contact with acidic liquids under no circumstance, or it will etch. Furthermore, it requires a very light touch while cleaning, as you don’t want it to get scratched.
On the other hand, quartzite requires no more than regular cleaning. Consequently, it provides the peace of mind of knowing it is much harder to damage. However, both materials require resealing to have strong outer defense throughout the years.
Marble vs. Quartzite Geology
The main difference between marble and quartzite in terms of their geology is that marble is a mineral, and quartzite is made of quartz sandstone. They are both metamorphic rocks, which means that they both go through change via heat and pressure, yet they don’t melt. Quartzite occurs when quartz sandstone particles are fused due to heat and pressure. Both marble and quartzite tend to form due to pressure more than they do due to heat. Both of the stones can appear in different colors depending on the impurities that they possess.
Marble doesn’t have much of strong chemical bonds; therefore, it has a porous surface and is vulnerable to acids. It is also easy to carve and polish.
Unlike marble, quartzite tends to have a light pink or a dark gray color in its pure form. As opposed to marble, quartzite is a very durable material and is resistant to abrasion.
Conclusion
If you are trying to make a choice between marble and quartzite, it is best to take tour needs into consideration. There are advantages of marble and disadvantages. The same can be said for quartzite too. Both of these stones are gorgeous and durable. They have their strong suits and drawbacks. At the end of the day, what is important is if they accomplish what you want them to.
As Paragon, we are always happy and eager to help you make the right choice. If you have any further questions about any of our products or services, you can always reach out for assistance.
