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Marble Vs Quartzite : Everything You Need to Know
Quartzite has surged in popularity as a natural stone for countertops in recent years. Homeowners in Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Lima, Marion, Perrysburg and Tiffin are beginning to embrace quartzite as a viable and beautiful alternative to marble. Quartzite’s similarity to marble has muddied the waters about which stone is better for homeowners in Ohio. Is quartzite really a better choice for countertops than marble? Let’s explore the differences between these two stones.
Quartzite v Marble: Origin and Chemical Differences
Both marble and quartzite are metamorphic rocks. Their composition does change with pressure and heat but the stones do not melt. Marble, a mineral, originates from dolomite or limestone while quartzite, which is not a mineral, comes from quartz sandstone. It is formed when the sandstone’s quartz grains are fused from heat and pressure.
Additionally, marble is soft while quartzite is hard and durable.
Chemically, marble is composed of calcite while quartzite is not. This is significant because when any liquid with a high concentration of acid accidentally spills on marble – such as lemon juice or tomato sauce, it can alter the surface by leaving spots known as etches.
Why Quartzite Has Becomes a Popular Natural Stone
The rise of quartzite in recent years as a popular natural stone among designers and homeowners is due to a number of factors. They include:
- Quartzite, also a natural stone, is aesthetically similar to marble
- It’s more durable than marble
- It’s a harder stone so it is difficult to damage and wears very well over time
- Like marble, it comes in a wide array of colors
When to Choose Quartzite Over Marble
Quartzite is an excellent choice if you prioritize durability and low maintenance. It’s ideal for spaces that experience high traffic or frequent use, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas. Here’s when Quartzite may be the better option:
- High-Traffic Areas: Quartzite is significantly harder and more scratch-resistant than marble, making it a better choice for busy kitchens. It can withstand regular cutting, hot pans, and acidic spills better than marble, which is more porous and prone to etching and staining..
- Low Maintenance Needs: If your design preferences lean toward surfaces that require minimal upkeep but still offer a luxurious natural stone appearance, quartzite is ideal. It offers the elegant veining of marble but with greater durability and less frequent sealing requirements.
- Modern Aesthetic Preferences: If you’re drawn to sleek, contemporary designs with striking veining and a polished appearance, Quartzite offers plenty of options.
Commercial Settings: Restaurants, hotels, or retail environments demand surfaces that are as aesthetic as they are rugged. Quartzite’s strength and ability to withstand heavy daily use without dulling or staining make it a smarter investment over marble.
When to Choose Marble Over Quartzite
Marble remains a top choice for homeowners who appreciate timeless elegance and unique, luxurious appeal. If your project prioritizes aesthetic value and you’re willing to provide the necessary care, Marble may be your best fit. Consider Marble in these situations:
- Classic and Luxurious Spaces: The unmatched veining and soft elegance of Marble can elevate the look of bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, or statement kitchen islands.
- Low-Traffic Areas: In spaces like formal dining rooms, bathrooms, or decorative wall installations, Marble’s beauty can shine without facing excessive wear.
- Historical or Traditional Designs: If you are working on a restoration project or prefer a vintage-inspired look, Marble is a historically favored material that adds authenticity.
- Preference for Patina: Some homeowners appreciate the natural aging process of Marble, which develops a patina over time, adding character and charm.
- Custom Furniture Tops: Think of vanity desks, side tables, or console tables—marble provides a classic, sophisticated top surface. In these applications, it’s not under constant stress and rarely exposed to staining agents or heat.
Popular Varieties of Quartzite and Marble
Marble is best known for its luxurious veining and timeless appeal. Among the most popular varieties are Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario, all sourced from Italy. Carrara marble tends to be more subtle with gray veining, while Calacatta is known for its bold, dramatic patterns and whiter background—making it more exclusive and expensive. Danby (from Vermont), Crema Marfil (Spain), and Arabescato are also widely loved for their unique tones and veining styles.
Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural metamorphic rock that blends durability with natural beauty. Popular quartzite varieties include Taj Mahal, known for its creamy beige tones and soft veining, White Macaubas for its clean, linear look, and Sea Pearl for its cool undertones and wave-like movement. Bold options like Fusion or Azul Macaubas showcase intense coloration and are prized for statement installations.
Marble Remains the Most Prized Natural Stone
Despite the dramatic rise in the popularity of quartzite, marble remains the most prestigious natural stone. If it were cars, marble is the top-of-the-line luxury vehicle. Marble remains the standard for a number of reasons, including:
- Its beauty is unparalleled.
- Certain colors of marble, white in particular, are breathtaking and elevate the beauty and richness of any room they are in
- Other less known marble colors, such as green, amber and gray are equally beautiful
- Its reputation as fragile and prone to staining is overblown. Proper care will ensure a long life for this precious natural stone
- Certain types of marble, such as Calacatta and Statuario, are unmatched in their stunning appearance and remain hugely popular.
Marble or Quartzite: Which is More Expensive?
Although most people assume marble is more expensive than quartzite that is not always the case. One of the most popular types of marble – Carrara – is very affordable and this a popular choice for budget-minded homeowners who would like marble in their kitchen or bathroom.
Other types of marble, in particular the increasingly popular Statuario, also are affordable and can be cheaper than quartzite. At the other end of the spectrum, Calacatta marble is one of the most expensive natural stones on the market. Quartzite is more moderately priced but still might be considered a luxury for some homeowners.
Despite the pricing factor, Ohioans recognize the beauty and versatility of natural stone countertops. The demand for quartzite, in particular, is rising in Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Lima, Marion, Perrysburg and Tiffin as a desirable alternative to marble. Legacy Marble and Granite has seen a rise in the demand for quartzite countertops, especially white varieties like Bianco Romano and Taj Mahal. Customers in these areas love quartzite’s elegance and durability as a countertop material.
Pricing Factors That Influence Marble & Quartzite Countertop Costs
- Stone Rarity & Origin
Exotic or imported stones like Calacatta marble or Azul Macaubas quartzite are significantly more expensive than more common varieties like Carrara marble or Sea Pearl quartzite. - Color and Pattern
Unique veining, rare coloration, and consistent patterning typically drive up the price—especially in marble, where dramatic veining (like that found in Statuario) is highly sought after. - Slab Thickness
Standard slabs are usually 2 cm or 3 cm thick. Thicker slabs provide a more substantial look but increase both material and fabrication costs. - Edge Profile Complexity
Simple edges (e.g., eased or bevel) cost less than decorative profiles (e.g., ogee, bullnose, or mitered edges), which require more labor. - Size of the Countertop Area
Larger kitchen islands or expansive countertop runs require more material and labor, increasing the overall project cost. - Number of Cutouts
Sink, cooktop, and faucet cutouts add to fabrication time and complexity, affecting total pricing. - Finish Type
Polished, honed, or leathered finishes may differ in cost, with honed and leathered finishes sometimes requiring extra sealing or maintenance. - Installation Complexity
Difficult installs—tight spaces, multiple seams, or second-story installations—can add to labor charges. - Fabrication Difficulty
Quartzite is significantly harder than marble, making it more labor-intensive to cut, polish, and fabricate. This contributes to higher overall costs. - Sealing and Maintenance Requirements
Although a long-term cost, materials like marble require more frequent sealing than quartzite, which may affect lifetime value. - Supply and Demand Trends
Market fluctuations and demand for specific varieties can impact availability and pricing—particularly for imported or designer slabs.
Buyer Beware: Is It Marble or Quartzite?
One interesting but unfortunate development that has emerged in recent years with the rise of quartzite as a viable competitor to marble is that some dealers are passing off marble for quartzite. [Their remarkable similarity makes it possible.]
So how do you know for sure you are getting what you ordered? The easiest way is to do an etch or scratch test on the slab of quartzite you want to buy. Just ask the dealer if you can apply an acidic substance like lemon juice to the stone or take something like a nail or a car key to the surface to see if it scratches. If they refuse, you should consider shopping elsewhere. As a matter of fact any reputable dealer will have a test kit consisting of acid and Moh’s hardness picks to test all of their stones.
The best solution is to make sure you find a reputable and experienced dealer to buy your marble or quartzite countertops. Do your homework both on the Internet and by asking friends. This will save you a lot of trouble and ensure that you will end up with the natural stone that works best for your home.
Ohio’s Top Kitchen Remodeling Professionals for Quartzite Countertops
Legacy Marble and Granite is the top-rated quartzite countertop supplier in Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Lima, Marion, Perrysburg, and Tiffin for kitchen remodeling projects. With great rates and a wide selection of quartzite slabs, our team is dedicated to finding the perfect natural stone for your home. We specialize in providing high-quality quartzite and expertly crafted kitchen countertops to bring your remodeling vision to life, making us the premier choice for those seeking durable and elegant surfaces in Ohio. Contact us today for the perfect quartzite countertop for your kitchen remodel! Learn more about The Pros of Installing a Quartzite Countertop in Your Kitchen or Bath.
Discover the Widest Range of Quartzite Countertops in Ohio
At Legacy Marble and Granite, you will find one of the widest selections of quartzite countertops available in Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Lima, Marion, Perrysburg and Tiffin. We carry various colors and textures that can be used in residential and commercial applications. From classic white marble to dramatic gray and black quartzite, you can find the perfect stone for your kitchen or bath remodel. We also have a variety of edge treatments and backsplashes to choose from. Stop by our showroom today to explore our selection of quartzite countertops!
