Marble, granite, and quartzite stand out as popular choices when it comes to using stone fixtures in the internal and external designs of your house. All of these stones possess distinctive properties and a one-of-a-kind look that makes them unique choices, providing designers and homeowners with special atmospheres. In this article, we will focus on the argument about marble vs granite vs quartzite and compare them from various perspectives, such as their hardness, resilience, appearance, and price. Read on and find out.
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Marble vs Granite vs Quartzite: Hardness
Let’s begin our marble vs granite vs quartzite discussion by talking about these stones’ harnesses.
Quartzite
With its impressive score of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, it stands out as one of the toughest materials available for countertops. This level of hardness ensures that quartzite surfaces are exceptionally resistant to scratches, etching, and heat-related damage. In practical terms, quartzite rarely chips or pits, making it a robust choice for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Its durability is a key reason why homeowners and designers often prefer quartzite for high-use areas. You can read more about this stone and its distinctions between marble by navigating to Quartzite vs. Marble: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide.
Granite
Granite, a blend of quartz, mica, and feldspar, is a natural stone that exhibits significant hardness, typically ranking between 6 and 8 on the Mohs scale. It makes it harder than many common materials; for example, it surpasses the hardness of a steel knife, which is about a 7. Due to its inherent toughness, granite requires less maintenance and preventive measures compared to marble or softer stones.
Marble
Marble stone, a symbol of elegance and luxury, ranks between 2 and 3 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is relatively soft compared to granite and quartz. This softness makes marble more prone to scratches and etching, especially in high-traffic areas or when exposed to acidic substances. While marble’s aesthetic appeal is undeniable, its lower hardness necessitates more careful usage and maintenance, making it ideal for applications where aesthetic value is prioritized over functionality.
Marble vs Granite vs Quartzite: Resilience
When considering natural stones for household use, resilience – how well the stone withstands daily wear and tear – is as important as hardness. So, it is regarded as another aspect in this marble vs granite vs quartzite argument.
Marble
Marble, while exuding elegance, ranks lower in terms of resilience compared to quartzite and granite. Its softer nature makes it more susceptible to scratches, etches, and general wear, especially in high-traffic areas. Marble requires regular care and maintenance to preserve its beauty and prevent damage from everyday activities. Its resilience is best suited for spaces where its aesthetic value outweighs the demands of heavy use, such as in decorative elements or less frequented areas.
Quartzite
Quartzite, although slightly harder than granite, tends to be less resistant to scratches and scuffs. Its composition makes it robust against general wear but requires care to maintain its pristine appearance. The resilience of quartzite makes it a suitable choice for areas with moderate use, balancing aesthetics with durability.
Granite
In contrast, it presents remarkable resilience in daily household use. Its natural hardness renders it more resistant to scratching and scuffing compared to quartzite. Additionally, granite holds an edge in UV resistance, making it a more suitable option for areas exposed to sunlight, like kitchens with ample natural light or outdoor installations. This combination of scratch resistance and UV resilience makes granite a preferred choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor settings. It is worth noting that the article, Marble vs. Granite; Which One is Right for You? Present valuable information about the distinction between granite and marble.
Marble vs Granite vs Quartzite: Appearance
Continuing our journey about marble vs granite vs quartzite, discussing the stones’ visual appearance is of paramount importance.
Marble
The aesthetic appeal of marble is often the primary reason homeowners and designers choose it, especially for fixtures like countertops. Marble’s translucent quality, whether polished to a high gloss or given a matte finish, offers an unmatched ethereal beauty. Its range of styles, from classic white with subtle gray veining to more exotic color combinations, makes marble a timeless and versatile choice, well-suited for a variety of design aesthetics.
Quartzite
Quartzite is celebrated not only for its remarkable durability but also for its distinct appearance. It offers a spectrum of colors and patterns, ranging from subtle, understated designs to striking options like the Audacia variety. The visual appeal of quartzite lies in its ability to blend natural beauty with a touch of sophistication, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both elegance and practicality in their countertops and other built-ins.
Granite
Granite’s appearance is one of its most significant advantages, especially when it comes to kitchen countertops. The vast variety available in granite allows homeowners to select a unique piece that resonates with their personal style. Each slab of granite is distinct, featuring natural patterns and colors that cannot be replicated. Homeowners are encouraged to personally select their preferred slab from a showroom or slab yard, ensuring the piece they choose perfectly fits their vision.
Quartzite vs Granite vs Marble: Maintenance
Maintaining natural stones, though requiring more effort than materials like ceramic tile, pays off with their stunning appearance. Regular sealing is essential to safeguard these surfaces from stains, scratches, and other potential damages. A well-sealed natural stone countertop is almost impervious to such harm, preserving its beauty for years. Still, different natural stones may require varying amounts of care. In this part of our marble vs granite vs quartzite discussion, we focus on this aspect.
Quartzite
Thanks to its impressive hardness, it demands less maintenance compared to other stones. Its care routine mirrors that of granite, emphasizing the importance of simple preventative measures. Promptly wiping up spills, using coasters and trivets, and avoiding direct heat contact are key.
Granite
Granite maintenance, while similar to quartzite, might call for a tad more attention. Its robustness makes cleaning straightforward, yet it does need a thoughtful approach to care. Regular sealing is recommended to maintain its resistance to stains and wear. Many homeowners find that the additional care required for granite is a worthy trade-off for the value and enjoyment it brings to their home.
Marble
Marble, being softer and more porous, requires the most maintenance among these stones. Regular cleaning and sealing are crucial to prevent stains and blemishes. While quartzite and granite can often be maintained with just a damp cloth, marble demands a more dedicated approach to preserve its elegance and minimize damage from daily use.
Quartzite vs Marble vs Granite: Price
When it comes to choosing between marble, granite, and quartzite, price is a crucial factor. The cost of these natural stones varies widely, influenced by aspects such as color rarity, edge treatments, thickness, and overall quality. Exotic patterns and colors typically command higher prices, as do specific surface treatments and the stone’s quality.
Granite
Granite, usually the most budget-friendly of the three, has a price range that varies significantly. Basic granite countertops can cost between $40 and $75 per square foot, but more exotic varieties, such as those with unique colors, may be priced as high as $500 per square foot. For an average 30-square-foot counter, the material costs may range from $1,000 to $1,500. Adding fabrication, labor, sink cutouts, and edging, the total cost for a granite countertop can range between $3,000 and $3,500 when installed.
Quartzite
Quartzite, often compared price-wise with marble, tends to be more expensive than granite due to its rarity. Factors like the scarcity of certain slabs and geographic availability influence the cost. Transporting a rare stone to a location where it isn’t readily available can hike up the price. Additionally, the harder the quartzite, the more challenging and costly it is to cut and finish, which can increase the price. Generally, quartzite prices start at about $60 per square foot.
Marble
Marble, with a price range similar to quartzite, is generally more expensive than granite. The cost of marble includes similar charges for fabrication, installation, cutouts, and edging. The material itself starts at around $60 per square foot, climbing to as high as $100. Consequently, for a marble countertop of similar size, the material costs alone can range from $1,800 to $3,000, bringing the total average cost to between $3,800 and $5,000. There is more information regarding marble price and its comparison with other stones, such as quartz in the link Quartz vs. Marble: A Complete Guide on the Stones’ Properties.
A Recap on Marble vs Granite vs Quartzite
Hardness
- Quartzite: Quartzite scores 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the toughest materials for countertops. It’s highly resistant to scratches, etching, and heat damage.
- Granite: Granite exhibits significant hardness, typically between 6 and 8 on the Mohs scale, surpassing many common materials. Its toughness reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
- Marble: Marble ranks between 2 and 3 on the Mohs scale, indicating it is relatively soft. This makes it more prone to scratches and etching, especially in areas with high usage.
Resilience
- Granite: Granite shows remarkable resilience against daily wear, being more resistant to scratching and scuffing than quartzite. It also has better UV resistance, suitable for sun-exposed areas.
- Quartzite: Slightly harder than granite, quartzite is less resistant to scratches and scuffs. However, it remains robust against general wear with proper care.
- Marble: Marble, being softer, is less resilient compared to quartzite and granite. It requires more maintenance and is suitable for areas where its beauty is prioritized over heavy usage.
Appearance
- Quartzite: Quartzite is known for its distinct appearance, offering a range of colors and patterns from subtle to striking. It blends natural beauty with sophistication.
- Granite: Granite is valued for its diverse appearance, with each slab being unique in pattern and color. It allows homeowners to choose pieces that resonate with their style.
- Marble: Marble is chosen primarily for its aesthetic appeal, featuring a translucent quality and a range of styles from classic white with gray veining to exotic color combinations.
Maintenance
- Quartzite: Quartzite requires less maintenance due to its hardness. Simple preventative measures like wiping spills and using coasters are usually sufficient.
- Granite: Granite, similar in maintenance to quartzite, might need more attention. Regular cleaning and periodic sealing are recommended to maintain its appearance.
- Marble: Marble demands the most maintenance, being softer and more porous. It needs regular cleaning and sealing to prevent stains and damage.
Price
- Quartzite: Quartzite is generally more expensive than granite due to its rarity. The cost increases with the hardness and rarity of the slab, starting at about $60 per square foot.
- Granite: Granite is often the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $40 to $75 per square foot. Exotic types can be more expensive.
- Marble: Similar in price to quartzite but typically more expensive than granite, marble starts at around $60 per square foot, with higher-end options reaching $100 per square foot.
