Quartzite Countertops Near Me

Quartzite countertops are DIFFERENT from quartz surfacing materials. All quartzite material is a natural stone mined from the earth. Every slab is unique because it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Most of the quartzite countertops have a highly polished finish, although some stone has a honed surface.

Options – Choose from many options that make your quartzite countertop truly custom:

• Finish– Polish or Honed
• Edge Profiles
• Splash – Set On or Tile
• Sink Type – Top Mount, Under Mount and Farmhouse

Stain Resistance – Quartzite must be sealed with a quality natural stone sealer that is non-toxic for food service applications. If you re-seal regularly, the surface should stay protected. The most important thing to know is that you cannot use chemical cleaners to clean the stone. Chemical cleaners, such as Windex, 409 and Simple Green, will strip the sealer away leaving the surface unprotected.

Heat Resistance – Quartzite is virtually heat proof. The reason we say heat proof is that in some instances, extreme temperature change can cause a crack of fissure to split apart. Other than that, most cookware will not get hot enough to damage natural stone. Because of this, we always recommend a hot pad or trivet.

Cutting and Abrasion – The most scratch-resistant material for your kitchen is quartzite. The surface will not be damaged by the majority of daily activities. Keep in mind that if you use the surface as a cutting board, your knives will dull after only one usage. As a result, we usually advise using a cutting board.

Impact – Although quartzite can withstand impact, if a hard impact does occur, edges can chip.

Food Safe – You should have a clean and sanitary countertop if you properly seal your quartzite countertop and clean after each usage. Quartzite is not approved for use in commercial food preparation areas by the NSF.

Test your quartzite before you make your selection. Not all quartzites are the same. Use the test below to determine the suitability of your quartzite slab selection.

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Quartzite Suitability Tests

Lemon Test – The lemon test is to determine the ability of your quartzite to resist etching. Follow the steps below:

• Place a wedge of lemon or lime, cut side down, on the sample overnight.
• Wipe the sample in the morning and hold it at an angle to the light.
• Check for a rough spot where the lemon was placed.
• Etching will appear dull and rough.

Etching normally occurs where calcium or calcite is present in the make-up of the stone. If your sample reacts to the lemon wedge, we DO NOT recommend this for your kitchen.

Water Absorption Test – Test the suitability of your quartzite to resist water absorption. The tighter the grain the less absorption.;

Follow these steps:

• Place a few small drops of water on the sample
• Let stand for about 15 minutes.
• Wipe excess water.

If the quartzite sample absorbed the water as soon as you put it on, DO NOT use this quartzite. A quality sealer would help prevent some absorption but would require constant maintenance.

If there is still a bit of water left on the surface, it will be suitable for your kitchen. We recommend a sealer for all quartzite countertops .