Picking the right countertop material for your renovation project can be a hard decision that requires a lot of attention to detail. Options such as white marble and white quartzite countertops are favorites among homeowners and interior decorators due to the timeless elegance and sophistication they possess. While white marble and white quartzite might look similar or even the same to the untrained eye, a closer look reveals that they have quite a few differences that give them their unique abilities and qualities. Their distinct compositions, hardness, and origins will help you make an informed decision about these amazing stones.
Composition
While marble and quartzite are both natural stones, they have different compositions. Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone after going through immense heat and pressure. The most abundant mineral in marble is calcite. White marble occurs when there is an absence of impurities in the base of the stone. The minerals that get in during its creation process give marble its unique vein patterns.
On the other hand, quartzite originates from sandstone. Through heat and pressure in the crust of the earth, the minerals recrystallize and form the unique texture of quartzite. The existence of mica gives quartzite a gorgeous sheen.
Both quartzite and marble can be quarried in different areas of the world. Depending on where the particular slab is quarried, it will have different qualities. For example, Carrara marble comes from Italy and is famous for its elegant light gray veins. Quartzite can be quarried in Brazil, India, and more. This diversity gives the stone unique abilities and makes them easier to attain in different parts of the world.
Hardness
While marble is known for being a sought-after stone, it is much softer compared to its alternatives. It has a 3 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. This makes it susceptible to damage that can be caused by pressure or abrasions such as scratches. This results in marble requiring a bit more care and attention than harder stones.
In contrast, quartzite is extremely hard and durable. It has a 7 in the Mohs Scale, it can withstand daily wear and tear without a problem. Quartzite is much more resistant to scratching or chipping compared to marble, therefore it is the more suitable choice for areas that have high foot traffic and need extra resilience.
Porosity
As natural stones, both white marble and white quartzite are porous stones. High-quality options tend to be less porous and in general marble is more porous than quartzite. However, regardless of the level or porousness, both stones need to be sealed before use and regularly resealed after. The level of porosity will affect how often the stone needs resealing. Moreover, surfaces that get more frequent use may need resealing more often too. You’ll know the surface needs resealing once it starts to lose its shine.
Patterns
Marble’s veining is a signature feature that helps differentiate the stone and gives it its timeless allure. The intensity and color of the veins depend on how much of which mineral has gotten mixed into the base of the stone during its creation process. For example, serpentine will give marble green-tinted veins. If a very small amount of it is mixed, then the slab will have subtle veins, if there is a lot of it, the slab will have bold and eye-catching veining.
Quartzite can also have veining similar to Mable. However, due to the crystalline nature of quartzite, its veins often have a more granular and consistent appearance to them. The veining in quartzite often will be less pronounced than in marble, which gives a contemporary and minimal style. If you are looking for an understated and refined look, the subdued veining of white quartzite might be the right choice for your home.
In conclusion, despite their similar look, some telltale signs might help you tell these two beautiful stones apart. For example, if it feels cool to the touch and has a softer texture, it is more likely marble. On the other hand, quartzite will have a harder and angular-looking surface. Moreover, flowing veins can be a sign of marble whereas more uniform-looking patterns are often found on quartzite. Now that you know how could you differentiate between white marble and white quartzite, you can pick the one that will fit your home the best. Despite their differences, both stones are amazing options for home improvement projects due to their many amazing qualities. Each stone will bring its unique charm to your home.
