Are Quartz And Quartzite The Same?

Whether you're shopping online, visiting a big-box store, or exploring MSI's showrooms, there's a wonderful variety of options to consider. Two popular choices, quartz and quartzite countertops, may seem quite similar — but while they share some features, they are actually different materials. So, how do you decide which one is the perfect fit for your home remodeling project?

Let's explore the details together to help you make an informed decision. This article will clearly explain each material, including how they are made, their origins, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is a stunning natural stone that comes straight from the earth. It starts as sandstone, which is a lot softer, but with incredible pressure and heat, it turns into a tough and durable surface. Those quartz crystals inside bond tightly, making it one of the strongest materials around — even stronger than granite in many cases.

Acquatic Quartzite

Quartzite is often found in neutral shades like beige and gray, but it also comes in more striking colors, such as MSI's Acquatic (shown above). The natural re-crystallization of quartz creates a beautiful, sparkling sheen that adds elegance and depth. Because it's a natural stone, no two quartzite countertops look exactly the same, which is part of its charm. Many homeowners enjoy visiting a slab yard to choose the perfect piece for their project. Whether you prefer a subtle pattern like Allure quartzite or a bold choice like Acquatic—a stunning black-and-white option—you have plenty of options to create a stunning look. You might even consider installing two slabs in a mirror pattern called "book matching,' placed side by side for your kitchen countertops, backsplashes, or waterfall edges.

Allure Quartzite

Comparing quartzite to quartz countertops, quartzite has a few advantages:

Durability: Quartzite ranks higher on the hardness scale than granite, which gives it strong resistance to scratches and chips. It stands up well to stains and heat. Unlike marble, it won’t react to acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.

Maintenance: As with other natural stones, quartzite benefits from periodic sealing to strengthen its ability to repel moisture and stains. Beyond that, upkeep is simple, and the surface stays clean and sanitary with basic care.

Style: Natural quartzite comes in a wide spectrum of shades, from calm neutrals to striking blues, greens, and pinks. Its organic veining and color shifts create bold statement pieces or gentle, understated patterns, depending on the slab. Every piece is one of a kind.

Applications: Because of its strength and durability, quartzite works well throughout the home. It’s ideal for kitchen and bathroom counters, backsplashes, showers, fireplace surrounds, and even flooring. Its resilience also makes it a smart choice for outdoor kitchens, where it can handle harsh temperatures and direct sun without issue.

QUARTZ

While quartzite is a wonderful natural stone directly sourced from the earth, quartz countertops are thoughtfully created through a careful engineering and manufacturing process. Both materials feature beautiful quartz crystals, but in quartz countertops, these crystals are gently fused with a strong, durable resin. Typically, quartz countertops consist of 93% to 95% quartz crystals, along with vibrant pigments and minerals that offer a wide range of colors and captivating patterns.

Calacatta Viraldi Quartz

Since it's a manmade material, quartz slabs are incredibly versatile, able to mimic various countertop surfaces like marble, granite, concrete, and even quartzite. They come in a beautiful array of solid colors, making them a great choice for modern, stylish spaces. Like quartzite, quartz countertops can feature designs ranging from gentle speckles and swirls to striking veining with lots of movement. What’s nice is that their patterning is quite consistent, unlike quartzite and other natural stones, so you can order your quartz slab remotely and feel confident knowing exactly how it will look once it’s installed in your home.

Macabo Grey Quartz

Here are a few advantages of quartz:

Durability: Engineered quartz is built for long-term performance. Its dense composition makes it highly resistant to chips, scratches, and everyday wear. Among premium countertop materials, it consistently ranks as one of the strongest options.

Maintenance: Quartz is intentionally crafted for low-effort upkeep, which is a key reason many homeowners prefer it. It stays fully waterproof without any sealing, and its nonporous surface blocks bacteria, mold, and mildew, making it easy to keep clean and sanitary.

Style: With an extensive selection of colors and veining patterns, quartz can complement any interior palette. Options that mimic marble, like Calacatta Lavasa (shown above), deliver the elegance of natural stone without concerns about staining, etching, fading, or other maintenance challenges associated with true marble.

Applications: Quartz works well in a wide range of interior projects, from kitchen and bathroom countertops to backsplashes, shower walls, and fireplace surrounds. As long as it isn’t subjected to harsh outdoor conditions or strong, direct sunlight, it remains stable in kitchens and living areas. Its strength and consistency also make it a smart material for custom designs, including curved layouts or detailed cutouts.

One more thing most homeowners weigh before choosing a surface is the price. Both of these premium materials are meaningful investments, yet they tend to deliver one of the best returns of any interior upgrade. They boost your home’s value and make your space more enjoyable every single day.

Quartzite pricing can vary quite a bit, since it depends on the stone’s rarity and appearance. Neutral tones with gentle movement usually fall on the lower end, while bold or unusual colors sourced from distant quarries tend to cost more. Keep in mind that fabrication and installation can also raise the total, especially because natural stone is heavy and may require added support in your cabinetry.

Quartz, on the other hand, is manufactured rather than mined, which often makes it the more budget-friendly choice. Many homeowners and designers still love the irreplaceable feel of natural stone, but quartz gives you a similar look with fewer upkeep concerns and a kinder price tag.

Now that you have a clearer picture of quartz versus quartzite, you might be feeling inspired to take the next step in your project. If you have questions or want guidance, our MSI team is here to help. Reach out through online chat, stop by a nearby MSI showroom, or connect with an authorized MSI retailer to get expert advice and find the style that fits your home.

Learn More About Quartz Countertops

Get Inspired With 10 Quartz Countertop Ideas
7 Kitchens With Glamorous Cabinetry & Quartz Countertop Pairings
6 Stunning New Quartz Countertop Colors To Satisfy Any Space
MSI's Top 10 Lumaluxe Quartz Countertop Colors
5 Beautiful Bathrooms With Quartz Countertops
The Do's And Don'ts Of Quartz Countertop Care