Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Home?

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom design, countertops are a major focal point—and one of the biggest investments. Two popular materials you’ve likely come across are quartz and quartzite. While their names sound similar, they are quite different in composition, appearance, and care.

I did a lot of research for our renovation in Skagit Valley, WA and learned a lot. If you’re a homeowner, seller, or buyer trying to decide between the two, here’s what I learned. (Scroll to the bottom to see which one I chose for our renovation)

What is Quartz?

Quartz countertops are man-made surfaces crafted from approximately 90–95% ground natural quartz crystals, blended with resins, polymers, and pigments. The result is a non-porous, highly durable slab available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. You've most likely come across the black-veined variety.

Pros of Quartz:

 • Low maintenance: Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed and resists stains.

 • Highly customizable: Because it’s engineered, quartz offers consistent colors and patterns, even mimicking marble or concrete.

 • Durability: It’s scratch- and chip-resistant, making it ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms.

 Cons of Quartz:

 • Not heatproof: Direct exposure to hot pans can damage the resin, so always use trivets.

 • Less natural appearance: While beautiful, quartz can look more uniform than natural stone.

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a 100% natural stone that starts as sandstone and undergoes a metamorphic process involving heat and pressure. The result is a hard, elegant stone often compared to marble in its veining and beauty—but more durable.

Pros of Quartzite:

 • Natural beauty: Each slab is unique, with rich veining and movement.

 • Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, making it incredibly strong and scratch-resistant.

 • Heat resistance: It can withstand high temperatures better than quartz.

Cons of Quartzite:

 • Maintenance: Since it’s a natural stone, quartzite is porous and needs regular sealing to protect against stains.

 • Higher cost: Quartzite can be more expensive than quartz due to its natural sourcing and labor-intensive quarrying.

 • Color limitations: Typically found in neutral shades like white, gray, and beige, though some exotic varieties exist.

So Which One Is Right for You?

If you love a low-maintenance surface with lots of color options and a sleek, modern look, quartz might be your perfect match. It’s also ideal for families or rental properties due to its resilience and ease of care. *Our second home in Arizona has quartz and I do love how resilient it is when we have a lot of guests over.

On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the luxury and uniqueness of natural stone and don’t mind a little extra maintenance, quartzite offers timeless elegance and impressive durability.

I ended up driving down to SODO Seattle to check out the slabs in person to see which one might melt my heart and I found her! Actually, for this renovation I didn't have enough space for a kitchen island so I opted for two countertops so I chose two very different quartzite slabs pictured below.

For the main countertops with stovetop and sink I chose -

Crystallo Quartzite and it is so beautiful! One very neat feature is that it lights up from underneath and becomes translucent. 

For the prep and serving countertop I chose -

Meta Black Leathered Quartzite. I love this one almost as much. The veining and leathered texture is modern and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re remodeling to sell or customizing your dream home, countertops can influence both style and resale value. Buyers often take note of these details—and knowing the difference between quartz and quartzite can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Looking for expert advice on which upgrades will add the most value to your home? As a local real estate professional, I’m here to help you navigate smart investments that pay off. Reach out anytime—I’d love to connect!

PS: If you are thinking about listing your beautiful home, download my free 5 Secrets to Staging Your Million Dollar Listing. *I have some do's and a couple of don't do's in this guide