The marble alternative with superior hardness — beauty without compromise.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when sandstone is subjected to high temperature and pressure, fusing quartz grains into an interlocked crystalline structure. Often confused with engineered quartz (which is man-made), quartzite is 100% natural stone — harder than granite (Mohs 7+) and capable of marble-like aesthetics.
By the numbers
| Mohs hardness | 7 |
| Water absorption | 0.1% |
| Freeze-thaw | Outstanding |
| Density | 2.65 g/cm³ |
| Applications | Countertops, outdoor kitchen, pool |
| Cost range | $15–35 / sq ft |
Surface options
High gloss, maximizes vein and color drama. Standard for countertops.
Matte. Minimizes the appearance of scratches; fingerprint-forgiving.
Textured, aged feel. Hides smudges well. Growing popularity for countertops.
Wire-brushed texture. Good for outdoor and large-format floor applications.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- ✓ Hardest natural stone option (Mohs 7+)
- ✓ Acid-resistant — does NOT etch like marble
- ✓ Heat-resistant — safe for hot pans (with trivets)
- ✓ Can achieve marble-like aesthetics
- ✓ Outstanding freeze-thaw performance for outdoor use
- ✓ 100% natural stone (unlike engineered quartz)
Considerations
- – Significant mislabeling problem — verify with acid test
- – More expensive than granite
- – Heavier and harder to cut — requires specialized fabrication
- – Limited color range compared to granite
- – Variable porosity across grades — some need more sealing
Quartzite — common questions
How to Test and Select Real Quartzite at the Slab Yard
A practical guide to identifying authentic quartzite and selecting the right slab for your project.
Perform the acid test
Bring a small bottle of white vinegar to the slab yard. Apply a few drops to a hidden edge or bottom of the slab. Real quartzite: no reaction. Marble or dolomite: visible fizzing within 30 seconds. This single test distinguishes true quartzite from softer look-alikes.
Perform the scratch test
Try to scratch the slab face with a steel key or pocket knife. Real quartzite (Mohs 7+) will not scratch — the key will leave a metallic streak (from the steel, not the stone). Marble (Mohs 3–4) scratches noticeably. This confirms hardness independently of the acid test.
Review ASTM documentation
Request the ASTM C503 (marble) or C616 (quartzite) classification report. A legitimate quartzite supplier should be able to provide or obtain these reports from their quarry. ASTM C97 water absorption and C170 compressive strength data also confirm stone quality.
Evaluate the veining carefully
Quartzite veining is often more linear and directional than marble — it follows the stress lines from metamorphic compression. Marble veining tends to be more irregular and branching. This is a visual clue, not a definitive test, but it helps narrow down uncertain stones.
Select and tag your slabs
View slabs vertically, in the closest lighting conditions to your installation space. Mark selected slabs with tape. For countertops, confirm you have enough continuous slab for each run — book-matching two slabs is common for islands and large countertops.
Where Quartzite excels
Quartzite price guide
The full Quartzite price guide covers material vs. installed costs, regional pricing across all 6 US regions and Canada, format-specific breakdowns, and the top cost drivers for your project.
Full Quartzite price guide →Find Quartzite suppliers near you
Browse verified Quartzite suppliers across the US and Canada — current pricing, in-stock inventory, and fast response.