Choosing the right materials is one of the most challenging parts of any home improvement project. This challenge is intensified if you are trying to decide between two equally amazing options such as marble and quartzite.
They are great materials with lots of unique advantages. Keep reading to learn about the main differences between marble and quartzite to decide which one is the right choice for you.
What is Marble?
Marble is one of the most sought-after stones in the home improvement industry. It owes this popularity mostly to its unique and hard-to-imitate appearance. Marble is a metamorphic stone and naturally occurs in the crust of the earth after going through immense pressure and heat. It has a slight transparent quality that gives a luminous appearance. It is most commonly found in light and neutral colors such as beige and ivory.
Marble is known for its signature vein pattern which gives the marble a sophisticated look and creates visual interest. Due to the soft colors of the base and the patterns, it manages to be the centerpiece of any room it is installed in without creating visual clutter.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone, similar to marble. It also has a very elegant appearance that has made it a favorite among homeowners. It is formed from sandstone and is commonly found in cream tones which makes it a versatile option. As with marble, it is a metamorphic rock that is transformed under pressure and heat. Under these conditions, the minerals that exist in sandstone recrystallize and form quartzite.
Quartzite is a highly durable and long-lasting option. Therefore, it can have a wide range of appliances such as countertops, flooring, backsplashes, and accent walls. It is a great choice for those who are interested in marble but don’t want to commit to the necessary upkeep.
What are the Advantages of Marble?
One of the biggest advantages of marble is its aesthetic appeal. It is known for its timeless elegance and classic appearance. Its natural colors offer versatility as they can be combined with any interior decoration style and fit in seamlessly. Moreover, a high gloss finish on marble countertops will further enhance their beauty.
Marble surfaces on a home will increase the resale value of the property significantly. It is an amazing upgrade that will stand out among competitors and reflect positively on the potential buyers. As it is commonly associated with luxury and high quality, marble home improvements are not only desirable but are key selling points.
Marble has the unique ability to stay cool to the touch even in warm temperatures. This makes it a great choice for tropical or hot climates as it will provide temperature control. Moreover, it is a must-have feature for bakers as it will keep ingredients such as butter and chocolate in a workable state for a longer period.
As marble is a soft stone compared to its alternatives, it offers flexibility and adornment options that different materials might not. It is easier to carve and shape, thus ensuring the possibility of more intricate edge profiles. Due to this quality, marble offers more customization and design choices.
What are the Advantages of Quartzite?
Quartzite is a highly durable stone, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas of the home such as the kitchen and bathrooms. It can stand the daily wear and tear, offering a long-lasting option. It is resistant to scratches, abrasions, and chips, providing a reliable work surface.
As quartzite is formed under immense heat, it is naturally resistant to it. The amount of heat that can be generated in a regular kitchen won’t be damaging to it. Moreover, it can also be used in showers and outdoor areas due to its resilience. However, it is best to not expose it to extreme amounts of heat as it will damage the sealant that is applied to the quartzite as a protective layer.
Quartzite offers great versatility and functionality. Although it is most commonly found in neutral colors, depending on where it is queried, bold and vibrant slabs can also be found. The intensity and color of the patterns that decorate the base are dependent on the type of mineral that creates the veins.
Quartzite is also a very low-maintenance stone. As it has a porous surface it will need to be resealed regularly. However, as long as you keep up with properly resealing the slab, you won’t have to worry about stains, discoloration, or bacterial growth.
What are the Differences Between Quartzite and Marble?
Quartzite has a much harder structure than marble. In the Mohs Scale of hardness, quartzite gets a 7 whereas marble gets a 3. This means that quartzite is much more resistant to sudden bursts of pressure that can cause chipping or scratching on the surface. As marble is a softer stone, it can be more prone to abrasions and etching.
Quartzite is a very low-maintenance alternative whereas marble requires a great deal of care and attention. One of the most important factors to take into consideration is that when marble comes into contact with acids, it can etch. This will show up as a dull spot wherever the acidic ingredients touch the marble slab. Lemon juice, vinegar, bleach, and tomato juice are all acidic liquids that can cause the surface of the marble to etch. If they spill on a marble surface they should be blotted with a clean and soft cloth immediately.
Although the cost of both marble and quartzite will depend heavily on the quality and thickness of the slab marble will generally cost more than quartzite. They are both premium materials and are adored by interior decorators and homeowners alike. Therefore, the cost can also be considered to be an investment.
Keystone Mable and Granite offer an amazing collection that spans more than 250 alternatives, guaranteeing you are going to come across one that is the right fit for your home. Their combined experience of more than 25 years in the industry gives them the know-how to cater to different styles and interior decoration aesthetics.
Moreover, their amazing customer service ensures that their work isn’t finished until every customer is in love with the new stone fixtures in their home. If you are interested in new countertops, backsplashes, or flooring, you can visit their website or contact their customer service team for further information.
