The difference between Marble and Quartzite

In the past 11 years, a lot of customers asked us what the difference is between Marble and Quartzite. Sometimes these materials seem to have a lot in common, but for stone professionals like the Bespoke 1988 team, there is a lot of difference between these two.

The things Marble and Quartzite have in common:

Textural similarities:

Perhaps you have heard before how nature creates the well-known material marble. It starts with calcite that is transformed by temperature and high pressure to what we, people, started calling Marble. This creates a polished surface with a glossy finish. In general, quartzite is more grainy or granular, but it also could be polished till it becomes a smooth surface that feels like marble.

Look and feel:

Marmer and quartzite have their look and feel in common. The neutral looking color palette and the smooth pattern known as the ‘veining’ are characteristic for both materials. They are both available in subtile neutral tones as well as powerful looking ‘veins or flames’.

Added value: 

A lot of customers tell us they chose for Marble or Quartzite to upgrade their kitchen, bathroom, interior or facade. Of course it is not possible to give guarantees about the increased value of your home or business building, it depends of the market you are in, but a lot of customers tells us they use these popular materials to upgrade the value of their houses or business buildings.

The difference for use as a countertop

The most important difference, the hardness of marble and the hardness of quartzite:
One of the most important differences between these materials is the hardness. While marble is known as a durable natural stone type, quartzite is much harder. To be honest in most situations you could recognise this in price as well. But if you are looking for an enormous hard material, quartzite could be your perfect fit. You might think but why is Quartzite more expensive than Marble? Good question, first of all it is because this is a more exclusive material, but it is also because it is much harder to work with. Not all stone suppliers are able to customise this quartzite. At Bespoke 1988 we are able to customise this and if we do, we always do it very precise!

Maintenance of marble and quartzite:
Not every supplier is talking about this aspect during the material selection. But as soon as you start using your countertop, you should start maintenance your stone. Of course you have to do your daily maintenance but thereby you also have to do some regular maintenance. First of all at Bespoke 1988 we have the possibilities to do this regular maintenance for our customers, but make sure to notice that Marble requires much more maintenance. In case of quartzite wiping it down with a damp cloth will be sufficient in most cases. To keep your marble or quartzite in good condition both requires reseals throughout the years to keep this beautiful natural stone in the best possible condition.

Now you have read about the differences between and similarities of quartzite and marble, it is time to get more feeling. Will one of these materials be the best fit for your project? Let’s find out together! We would feel very pleased if we might contact you.