What is the difference between Quartz and Quartzite

1. What is The Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite? Quartz and quartzite, you may have heard these names before when looking for a new worktop in your London kitchen or bathroom. But what exactly is the difference between the two? At first glance, they sound very similar and may seem identical. However, quartz worktops London and quartzite are two distinct materials with some key differences that impact their performance, appearance, and maintenance as worktops. What is Quartz? Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals held together with resin, pigments, and other compounds. Slabs are made by combining up to 93% ground natural quartz with 7% polymer resins. Quartz crystals form within the Earth's crust when silicon dioxide and oxygen molecules bond under heat and pressure. While pure, the quartz used in engineered stone contains non-quartz polymers and materials that enhance certain properties. As an engineered product, manufacturers have extensive control over the look, feel, and performance capabilities of quartz worktops. This includes creating consistent colours, patterns, finishes, and even specific textures like concrete. Quartz offers great versatility in design. What is Quartzite? Quartzite begins its life as quartz sandstone, a sedimentary rock that forms from compressed sandy quartz grains. Over time, heat and pressure metamorphosed the sandstone into quartzite, a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock. The recrystallisation process fuses the quartz particles into an extremely hard, single mass. Natural quartzite slabs maintain the look and mineral patterns of the original quartz sandstone. Variations in shades and patterns are dependent on mineral impurities present during formation. Comparing Properties: Quartz vs Quartzite Let's compare some of the important physical properties of these top kitchen worktops in London: Hardness & Durability Quartzite is one of the hardest structural materials on Earth, ranking at a 7 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. The dense mass of fused quartz grains resists scratches and etching from cutlery. Most damage occurs along natural lines and crevices formed while quartzite was still sandstone.

2. Quartz comes in around a 7 on the Mohs scale which is excellent for surface material. The resins bind the crushed quartz into a durable slab. Engineered quartz resists scratches, dents, and heat damage. However, quartz lacks the natural durability of quartzite. No resin matches the strength of fused quartz crystals. Maintenance & Repairs The durable nature and non-porous qualities of both quartzite and quartz make them very low- maintenance materials. Their resistance to damage means very little repair work is required outside of polishing scratches and chips as needed. However, the difficulty of working with ultra-hard quartzite makes professional installation and professional repair work a must. Diy repairs generally won't suffice. The resins in quartz provide more leeway for do-it-yourself fixes to minor damages. Heat Tolerance Quartzite's natural heat resistance allows direct contact with hot pans. However, sudden temperature changes can create thermal shock in the stone leading to cracks. Always use heat trivets as a precaution. Quartz worktops stand up remarkably well to heat. But to prevent burning the binding resins, use trivets or hot pads under extremely hot cookware. While quartz won't melt, slight discolouration over time is possible. Stain Resistance Quartzite is non-porous making it resistant to staining. But being a natural material composed of mainly silica, quartzite is prone to etching damage from acidic liquids. Timely clean-up of spills helps minimise etching. Quartz is highly stain-resistant and non-porous. The resins make it less prone to etching damage though quartz still requires prompt clean-up of acidic spills to prevent possible discolouration. The man-made nature of quartz makes it less reactive overall. Appearance & Pattern Options Natural quartzite is limited in colour options to white, tans, browns, grays, and light pink hues. Patterns vary from interesting marbling and waves to a more consistent speckled appearance throughout a slab. Each piece offers its own unique natural landscape. The versatility of engineered quartz means manufacturers can produce slabs mimicking marble, granite, onyx, concrete, and popular patterns. Consistent colours stay true from slab to slab. The range seems endless with new styles constantly coming out.

3. Cost Comparison Due to variations in quality, thickness, colour, and source location - cost ranges can vary widely for quartzite worktops. Expect to pay £100-£200 per square meter installed. Rare varieties can reach upwards of £500/m2. Quartz counters also range in price but overall tend to cost less than natural stone. Expect installed prices around £70-150 per square meter depending on the brand and style chosen. More intricate options with exotic patterns push to the higher end. Which is Better for London Worktop Installations? Deciding which material best suits your kitchen largely depends on the factors below: Preferred Visual Style: ●Do you want exotic patterns and colours outside what nature can provide? Go with quartz for endless options. ●Do you prefer natural-looking materials with depth and dimension? Quartzite offers a true earthy essence. Budget: ●Quartz generally provides better value, especially with exotic styles. ●Only select quartzite if your budget allows and you adore the look. Pay the price for its unparalleled durability. Conclusion When choosing between quartz and quartzite for your kitchen worktop in London, consider your preferred style, budget, and durability needs. Quartz offers versatility and affordability, while quartzite boasts unmatched durability and a natural aesthetic. At SLABS AND STONES UK, we're the ultimate destination for top-tier kitchen worktops in London. Our range includes luxuriousgranite worktops in London, sleek quartz, and durable quartzite options. Plus, we guarantee unbeatable prices on all our premium quality materials! FAQs Can quartz and quartzite be used for kitchen worktops in London? Yes, both quartz and quartzite are suitable materials for kitchen worktops in London. They offer durability, versatility in design, and low maintenance, making them popular choices for kitchen renovations.

4. Which material is better for budget-conscious consumers? Quartz generally provides better value, especially for consumers with budget constraints. It offers a wide range of design options at a more affordable price point compared to quartzite. However, if budget allows and you prioritise durability and natural aesthetics, quartzite might be worth the investment. Do quartz and quartzite require sealing? Quartzite is naturally non-porous and does not require sealing. Quartz, being engineered, is also non-porous and does not need sealing. Both materials are resistant to staining and etching, making them easy to maintain.