Tag Archive for: quartzite

Avoid Common Problems with Quartzite Countertops

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  • “Quartzite countertops: Common problems”
  • “Stains, Etches, Cracks on Quartzite”
  • “Proper care for Quartzite countertops”

Ceasarstone STatuario NuvoQuartzite is a natural stone that is becoming increasingly popular as a countertop material. It’s known for its durability and beauty, but like any natural stone, it can have its own set of problems. In this article, we will discuss some of the common potential problems with quartzite countertops and what you can do to avoid them.

Staining: Quartzite is a porous material, which means it can absorb liquids and stains. To prevent staining, it’s important to seal your quartzite countertops regularly. This will create a barrier that will protect the stone from absorbing liquids and stains. If a stain does occur, it’s important to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent it from setting in.

Etching: Quartzite is also susceptible to etching, which is when the surface of the stone is dulled or damaged by acidic substances. Common acidic substances include lemon juice, vinegar, and wine. To prevent etching, it’s important to use coasters under glasses and to wipe up any acidic spills as soon as they occur.

Cracking: Quartzite is a strong and durable material, but it can still crack if it’s exposed to extreme temperatures or if it’s subjected to heavy impact. To prevent cracking, it’s important to avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on your quartzite countertops and to avoid cutting or chopping directly on the surface of the stone.

In conclusion, quartzite countertops are a beautiful and durable option for any home, but they do require proper care and maintenance to prevent potential problems. With regular sealing, prompt cleaning of spills, and protection from extreme temperatures and heavy impact, you can ensure that your quartzite countertops remain in excellent condition for many years to come.

For more information about quartzite countertops, click here.

Magnifica Porcelain Countertop

Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

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Bianco Venatino Quartzite from Arizona Tile

Bianco Venatino Quartzite from Arizona Tile

 

There are many types of countertops on the market for kitchens. The most common types are quartz, porcelain, quartzite, solid surface, granite, and marble. They all have their own pros and cons. For example, some materials are scratch resistant, while others can be scratched or marred easily. And some materials are more expensive than others.

Here are the most popular kitchen countertops materials.

Quartz

Quartz is a manufactured stone that contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, molded into slabs, and bound with resins, making it a type of engineered stone. These aren’t real quartz slabs quarried from the earth.

Quartz was designed as a more adaptable and better-performing substitute to granite and marble by firms such as DuPont and Cosentino. It is available in a wider range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratching and staining. Some types are convincing imitations of natural marble with comparable veining. Engineered quartz does not require annual sealing, unlike natural stone.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic with properties such as hardness, longevity, heat resistance, and color fastness. While porcelain may be used for kitchen countertops, there are certain drawbacks. There isn’t much depth in surface designs, so if a porcelain countertop is scratched, the pattern will be disrupted/damaged, and the fact that it only runs surface deep will be revealed. When compared to other more substantial-appearing materials like granite, marble, or quartz, porcelain counters are usually very thin.

Porcelain is scratch-resistant and has a long-life span. It is also resistant to heat and stains. Counters made of porcelain are available in assorted colors and designs. They’re also simple to maintain and keep clean.

Quartzite

Quartzite is metamorphic rock. It develops naturally when sandstone or chert with a high quartz content is subjected to tremendous heat and pressure. Quartzite, which usually has a quartz content of more than 90%, can reach 99%. It is heat and scratch resistant but is susceptible to staining.

Quartzite has a glassy sheen and, in some cases, resembles marble. Quartzite is one of the most popular countertop materials for its beautiful look.

Solid Surface

Solid-surface material, also known as Corian, Staron, HI-MACS and Avonite, is a man-made product consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins pressed into sheets and other forms. Solid surface countertops and sinks have been around for almost 50 years, but when they were first introduced, they were space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to imitate.

Solid-surface material is stain scratch resistant. Keep heat away from solid surface as not to damage the surface. The main advantage is the ability to repair and refinish, along with a seamless appearance.

Granite

Granite has long been the go-to countertop material when there were no financial concerns to consider. Granites are elegant in a kitchen. When granite worktops are utilized, even tiny kitchens seem like luxury apartments.

Granite has long been an expensive material, although its expense has dropped as supplies have grown and engineered stone has become more common.

The material is resistant to heat and scratches. Granite surfaces require special attention because they are susceptible to staining.

Marble

Marble is a popular stone for kitchen countertops. Because no two pieces of marble are identical, each marble countertop is one-of-a-kind.

Marble has the advantage of looking beautiful and being exceptionally durable, but it may stain and scratch easily. Marble’s sensitivity to stains and scratches makes it a less desirable material for kitchens than granite or soapstone.

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops, What’s The Difference?

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Bianco Aspen - Metro Quartz Countertop

Bianco Aspen – Metro Quartz Countertop

The main distinction between quartz and quartzite is the fact that quartz is a manufactured material while quartzite is a natural stone. Sandstone is converted to quartzite through a natural process of heat and pressure in which sparkling quartz crystals are fused with it.

Quartzite is usually white or light gray, but minerals in the stone can produce pink, gold, or crimson-brown hues.

Quartz countertops are made of quartz crystals that have been bonded with resins, pigments, and other materials such as shards of glass by a man-made process. The countertop material is an exceptionally durable, non-porous surface composed of quartz crystals. Quartz comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

Aside from the considerable composition distinctions, the stylistic ones are also significant. Quartzite is frequently confused with marble or granite. It has the same delicate veining and coloration as marble, although it lacks the granular texture of marble. A quartzite countertop may be used to provide a natural appearance with a lot of motion.

Quartz can be made to resemble any stone and comes in a variety of colors and designs. If you want your slab to match a certain color or have a consistent design throughout, quartz is probably the best choice for your home.

The care procedure and longevity of quartz vs. quartzite are two more significant distinctions between the two materials. Quartz’s strength stems from its binding process, which helps to extract air and results in a non-porous, chip-resistant surface.

Quartzite is a hard stone. It is less dense than quartz and will stain in high-use areas. Quartzite must be sealed to avoid stains, but quartz does not.

Quartz is a popular choice for countertops due to its versatility and durability. If you enjoy having numerous alternatives and a dependable, consistent appearance to your counters; or if you’re looking for a long-lasting material that won’t break the bank, quartz may be the answer.

However, if you don’t mind a little upkeep in return for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind natural appearance, our quartzite countertops are worth considering.

So, what’s the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops? The main difference is that quartzite is a natural stone made from sandstone, while quartz is manufactured using ground-up quartz crystals. Quartzite is more durable than quartz and can withstand high temperatures, making it a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms with open flames (like gas stoves). If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural stone countertop that will last for years, go with quartzite; if you’re after a sleek, modern look, choose quartz instead. Ready to start shopping? Give us a call today!

Water Absorption Test

Is Granite Porous

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Lemon Test – The lemon test is to determine the ability of your granite 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.

Etches normally occur 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 granite 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 granite sample absorbed the water as soon as you put it on, DO NOT use this granite. 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 granite.