Natural stone kitchen countertops have many advantages – that's why so many homeowners choose them. From granite to quartzite, these eye-catching surfaces have the ability to transform living spaces from drab to fab with little effort. Probably the most obvious draw is their beauty and durability, but there's also the fact that no two slabs are alike. Every countertop is unique, just like those who enjoy it in their homes.
Beacause there are so many benefits of both granite and quartzite, it can be tough to choose between these two popular natural stones. So let's dive in and discuss their differences and similarities to help you choose which one may be best for your kitchen renovation project.
The main difference between granite and quartzite is how they are formed; quartzite is metamorphic, and granite is igneous. You may remember these terms from your school science class. Metamorphic quartzite is formed from sandstone when exposed to immense pressure and heat, and it's typically found in shades of white, gray, and beige. Granite forms from cooling magma – molten rock from within the earth – and can be found in many colors.
As for price – a quartzite stone countertop tends to be priced slightly higher than granite countertops. However, this is not always the case. The price per square foot of granite countertops can vary depending on each color's thickness, quality, and abundance. Exotic, bold colors tend to be in shorter supply and have to travel farther from their source; therefore, they are more expensive. When selecting between the two, make sure you are pricing two comparable premium surfaces.
So what do they have in common? They make beautiful countertops that are easy to care for, long-lasting, and stylish. Another common trait is their uniqueness, a quality not found in engineered surfaces such as quartz countertops. That means savvy homeowners will want to pick out the exact slab they want in person. Watch this short video to learn about MSI's slab selection process and how we make it easy and convenient to choose just the right countertop.
Beacause there are so many benefits of both granite and quartzite, it can be tough to choose between these two popular natural stones. So let's dive in and discuss their differences and similarities to help you choose which one may be best for your kitchen renovation project.
The main difference between granite and quartzite is how they are formed; quartzite is metamorphic, and granite is igneous. You may remember these terms from your school science class. Metamorphic quartzite is formed from sandstone when exposed to immense pressure and heat, and it's typically found in shades of white, gray, and beige. Granite forms from cooling magma – molten rock from within the earth – and can be found in many colors.
As for price – a quartzite stone countertop tends to be priced slightly higher than granite countertops. However, this is not always the case. The price per square foot of granite countertops can vary depending on each color's thickness, quality, and abundance. Exotic, bold colors tend to be in shorter supply and have to travel farther from their source; therefore, they are more expensive. When selecting between the two, make sure you are pricing two comparable premium surfaces.
So what do they have in common? They make beautiful countertops that are easy to care for, long-lasting, and stylish. Another common trait is their uniqueness, a quality not found in engineered surfaces such as quartz countertops. That means savvy homeowners will want to pick out the exact slab they want in person. Watch this short video to learn about MSI's slab selection process and how we make it easy and convenient to choose just the right countertop.