Brazil & Anatolia
ASTM C616 CompliantQuartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when sandstone (composed mostly of quartz grains) is subjected to extreme heat and pressure during geological mountain-building events. The quartz grains recrystallize and fuse together, creating a rock harder and more interlocked than the original sandstone. True quartzite is har...
Outstanding freeze-thaw resistance — rated for all North American climate zones including extreme freeze. Well-suited for outdoor kitchen counters, pool surrounds, and exterior paving in zones 1–11.
Seal once per year (true quartzite is dense, but benefits from sealing). Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner. Unlike marble, quartzite resists etching from mild acids — wine, lemon, and coffee spills will not etch if cleaned within a few minutes. No special maintenance required beyond sealing and gentle cleaning.
The definitive test: attempt to scratch the stone with a steel kitchen knife (Mohs 5.5). Real quartzite (Mohs 7+) will not scratch — the knife will slide off. Soft "quartzite" (actually marble or dolomite) will show a white scratch. Also: real quartzite does not etch from lemon juice — drop a few drops and wait 5 minutes; wipe off. If a dull mark remains, it's calcite-based (marble family), not quartzite.
The most specified quartzites in North America (2025): Super White quartzite (white with grey veining, Brazilian origin) — often confused with marble but true quartzite. Taj Mahal quartzite (cream/gold tones, elegant veining). Calacatta quartzite (dramatic white with bold grey/gold veins). Sea Pearl quartzite (silver-grey with ocean-like patterning). Arctic White quartzite (clean white, minimal veining). All of these are harder than granite and available through SmartStones supplier network.
Yes, premium quartzite is generally more expensive than equivalent-grade marble. True quartzite slabs start at $80–$120/sq ft installed (vs. $70–$100 for entry marble) and can reach $150–$250/sq ft for premium Brazilian varieties. The price premium reflects rarity, hardness, and durability. However, the long-term cost of ownership favors quartzite — less maintenance, no etching repair, longer sealant intervals.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when sandstone (composed mostly of quartz grains) is subjected to extreme heat and pressure during geological mountain-building events. The quartz grains recrystallize and fuse together, creating a rock harder and more interlocked than the original sandstone. True quartzite is harder than granite (Mohs 7+) and more acid-resistant. Important caveat: the name "quartzite" is widely misapplied in the stone trade — many stones sold as quartzite are actually soft dolomitic marble or calcareous schist. Always request a Mohs scratch test: a steel knife (Mohs 5.5) should not be able to scratch true quartzite. Major sources: Brazil (Super White, Taj Mahal, Calacatta) and Anatolia, Turkey.