Marble vs Quartzite: Choosing Stone Surfaces

Marble vs Quartzite: Choosing Stone Surfaces


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Quartzite shares some similarities to Marble, due to which it is growing popular as a natural stone for kitchens and bathrooms. But this has created some ambiguity amongst homeowners as well as other categories of consumers, leading to a Marble vs Quartzite discussion. Most of them are frequently unsure of the precise major distinctions and which one to select. In terms of design, structural strength, and appeal, both these natural stones have a lot to offer. Each stone is made entirely of natural materials that come into existence on their own, without human interference. Both are visually pleasing. Both are available in warehouses as a surface material for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial-level projects. However, there are significant differences between these materials.

Acknowledging this confusion, we have brought to you this article so that next time you see one, you'll be confidently told apart both from one another.

CALACATTA VAGLI BOOKMATCH MARBLE

CALACATTA VAGLI BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£665.00

Calacatta Vagli Marble is known for its elegant and luxurious appearance and is a high-quality marble with a bookmatched pattern, similar to other bookmatch marbles. Pattern: It typically has a white or off-white background colour with bold and dramatic veining… read more

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FIOR DI BOSCO BOOKMATCH MARBLE

FIOR DI BOSCO BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£370.36

Origin: Italy Appearance: Fior Di Bosco Bookmatch Marble is an intense-looking, grey-coloured stone slab with white veins running from one end to the other. The overall appearance looks thunderous and mysterious. Benefits: Resistant to UV radiation, fire and heat, durable,… read more

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MONT BLANC BOOKMATCH QUARTZITE

MONT BLANC BOOKMATCH QUARTZITE

£422.00

Mont Blanc Bookmatch Quartzite is a type of natural stone known for its beauty and durability. It is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from sandstone through the process of high pressure and heat deep within the Earth's… read more

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Quartzite And Marble - Origin And Composition

quartzite and marble

Dolomite or Limestone is the source of Marble, a mineral, while quartz sandstone is the source of Quartzite, a non-mineral. Quartzite is created when the quartz grains in sandstone fuse under extreme pressure and heat. Although heat and pressure do cause both of these stones' composition to change, they do not melt. Marble vs Quartzite are both metamorphic rocks. However, Quartzite does not contain calcite in its chemical makeup. This is important because any acidic liquid that accidentally spills over Marble, like citrus juice or tomato sauce, will affect the surface by producing marks known as etches. Furthermore, Quartzite is robust and durable compared to Marble's softness.

Quartzite vs. Marble Durability

Popularity of Marble Simplified

Quartzite is a highly durable natural stone with a hardness similar to granite. It is heat and scratch-resistant, making it a great choice for countertops and high-traffic areas. Marble, while elegant, is softer and more susceptible to scratching and staining, making it less durable for some applications. Choose based on your specific needs and preferences.

Marble Vs. Quartzite For Fireplace. Which One Best Fits Your Home

Marble vs Quartzite For Fireplace

If you value a timeless, luxurious look and are willing to invest in regular maintenance, Marble could be an excellent choice for your fireplace. However, if you prefer a durable, low-maintenance option that can withstand everyday use without losing its beauty, Quartzite may be the better fit for your home's fireplace surround. Ultimately, both materials can be used effectively, depending on the overall design and aesthetic you wish to achieve.

BLACK TAURUS LEATHER BOOKMATCH QUARTZITE

BLACK TAURUS LEATHER BOOKMATCH QUARTZITE

£428.75

Black Taurus Leather Bookmatch Quartzite is a black gold stunning slab with majestic veins running parallel to one another. The stone makes the place more royale with its mesmerising patterns. Bookmatch quartzite is aesthetically cute for the kitchen, bathroom, fireplace,… read more

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PORT LAURENT BOOKMATCH MARBLE

PORT LAURENT BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£401.75

Origin: Italy Appearance: Port Laurent Marble is characterised by its rich and dark colour palette, typically featuring a deep black background with dramatic and flowing veins in shades of gold, bronze, and white. The contrasting veins create a mesmerising and… read more

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CALACATTA ANTICO BOOKMATCH MARBLE

CALACATTA ANTICO BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£449.00

Origin: Italy. Calacatta Antico Bookmatch Marble is a luxurious and highly sought-after type of marble known for its stunning appearance and unique veining patterns. Colour: White, Gold Appearance: Calacatta Antico is a white marble with a creamy background and striking… read more

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Marble vs Quartzite Cost

Marble vs Quartzite Cost

Contrary to popular belief, Marble is not always more expensive than Quartzite. For homeowners on a tight budget who want Marble in their kitchen or bathroom, Carrara, one of the most popular Marble varieties, is a great option. Other Marble variants are equally reasonably priced and sometimes less expensive than Quartzite, for example, the increasingly popular Statuario variety. Calacatta Marble, on the other hand, is one of the most costly stones available. Even if Quartzite is more affordable, some homeowners could still view it as a luxury.

CARRARA STATUARIETTO DUAL FINISH BOOKMATCH MARBLE

CARRARA STATUARIETTO DUAL FINISH BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£349.10

Carrara Statuarietto Dual Finish Bookmatch Marble is a stunning marble from Italy with a unique white, grey and gold pattern. It has a variety of different veins, which create a mesmerising and unique look. Its origin is from the Carrara… read more

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CARRARA MARBLE

CARRARA MARBLE

£325.72

Carrara Marble has been one of the highest enquired stones from our buyers that include both homeowners as well as stonemasons and fabricators. Carrara, a mountainous region of Tuscany, Italy, is where Carrara marble is quarried. In fact, Carrara is… read more

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STATUARIO MARBLE

STATUARIO MARBLE

£651.50

Statuario Marble is a type of high-quality white marble that is prized for its elegance, beauty, and durability. It is named after the Statuario quarries located in Carrara, Italy, where it is primarily sourced. Statuario Marble is known for its… read more

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Effective Quartzite Vs Marble Test

Tell the Difference Between Marble and Quartzite

1. Scratch Test

One way to distinguish a Marble vs. Quartzite is to perform a scratch test. Since these two materials differ in hardness, using a piece of the stone to 'scratch' a material that is harder than Marble but softer than Quartzite will reveal which stone you have.

The steps to perform a scratch test are as follows:

  • Grab a glass tile and lay it on a levelled surface.

  • Get the stone material you want to carry the test on.

  • Rub the glass with the pointy edge of the stone with force.

  • Either the stone will break because the glass is harder, or the glass will cause the stone to scrape because the stone is harder.

  • If the stone is affected (breaks/disintegrates), it is a Marble. If the glass is affected(scratches/shatters), it is Quartzite.

If the stone is highly variegated in terms of colour and minerals, you might need to examine more than one area of the slab for this test.

2. Etch Test

The etch test, commonly referred to as the acid test, is a distinct type of test you can perform to tell Marble vs Quartzite. Thanks to the minerals that make up these stones, an acid test is effective. As was already explained, calcite makes up Marble, and quartz makes up Quartzite. It turns out that calcite and acid react, causing the Marble to "etch." Quartz, on the other hand, is inert and thus, Quartzite won't etch. Therefore, you can subject the stone in question to acid and observe how it reacts.

The steps to perform an etch test are as follows:

  • Test a scrap piece of stone or a small section of the slab that will be cut away during the templating process.

  • Put a little bit of an acidic liquid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, on a portion of the stone's polished surface.

  • Allow the liquid to rest on the surface for ten to twenty minutes.

  • The stone is considered to be etched if the liquid makes the surface appear discoloured or dull.

  • Marble will etch when exposed to acidic substances; Quartzite won't etch at all. Hence, you now know what slab you were holding.

Drop an email at info@work-tops.com or reach us at +44 0330 113 5868

So, Marble vs Quartzite, what are you choosing? Send Your Stone or Worktop Inquiry Here and Get a Free Quote.

BLUE ROMA EXOTIC QUARTZITE

BLUE ROMA EXOTIC QUARTZITE

£503.00

Blue Roma Exotic Quartzite has a bluish-grey base which features exquisite designs made by gold, white and brown shades. Because of its chic, exotic style and extreme durability, it is ideal for walls, floorings, mosaics, stairs, tiles, fireplaces, TV panels,… read more

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CRISTALOS WHITE QUARTZITE

CRISTALOS WHITE QUARTZITE

£652.85

Cristalos White Quartzite, as the name suggests, has a grey-white surface background. The white base shows various red and black dots as well as some cream golden veins distributed randomly. The pattern of the slab is not uniform, such that… read more

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BIANCO MACCHIA GRIGIA BOOKMATCH MARBLE

BIANCO MACCHIA GRIGIA BOOKMATCH MARBLE

£349.10

Bianco Macchia Grigia Bookmatch Marble is a type of natural stone marble originating from Italy. Colour: It gets its character in the grey base, giving your space a unique look and a neutral feeling. Appearance: It is portrayed in the… read more

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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What's The Main Difference Between Marble And Quartzite?

Marble is a metamorphic rock known for its elegant appearance and softness, while Quartzite is a harder, natural stone prized for its durability.

  • Which One Is Better For Kitchen Countertops, Marble Or Quartzite?

Quartzite is often preferred for kitchen countertops due to its exceptional durability and resistance to staining, making it more practical than Marble.

  • Is Marble Or Quartzite More Expensive?

Generally, Marble can be more expensive than Quartzite, but prices vary based on factors like rarity, quality, and region of origin.

P.s. The readers are informed that none of the content available on any of the pages of Work-tops.com should be taken as legal advice and that Worktops will not be held accountable for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages.

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