In the world of home improvement, the kitchen is the core of every family, and the kitchen countertop is the finishing touch. In recent years, a countertop material called super white quartzite has quickly become popular, not only because of its beauty, but also because of its durability and easy maintenance. If you are still struggling to choose which countertop material to choose, you might as well learn about this "Prince Charming in the Kitchen World" - super white quartzite.
What is Super White Quartzite?
First of all, super white quartzite is not some kind of material from outer space, but a natural metamorphic rock. It is mainly composed of quartz minerals, which is a silicate mineral with extremely high hardness, reaching 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Super white quartzite is formed through geological metamorphism. Under high temperature and pressure, quartz particles are recrystallized and tightly combined to form a hard and dense rock.
Why is it called "super white"? Simply put, this quartzite has almost no other impurities, which makes it visually appear pure white or nearly white, as if a layer of mist is covering the countertop, which is very suitable for modern, minimalist kitchens.
Quartz vs. Super White - Quartz is man-made. Super White is a natural stone.
Granite vs. Super White - Single-slab granite is a felsic intrusive igneous rock. Super White is a metamorphic rock.
Marble vs. Super White - It is metamorphic like marble, but much harder than marble.
Quartzite vs. Granite, What's the Difference?
Quartzite and granite both sound hard, but they are significantly different.
First, granite is an igneous rock, formed by the cooling and solidification of magma inside the earth, and its main components include quartz, feldspar and mica. In contrast, quartzite is a metamorphic rock, formed by the metamorphism of sandstone under high temperature and pressure, and its composition is almost entirely quartz.
In terms of appearance, granite usually has a distinct grain texture with a variety of colors and patterns, while quartzite is more uniform, with a smooth surface and not many patterns. In addition, quartzite is generally harder than granite, which means it is better at resisting scratches and wear. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest and 1 being the softest, quartzite measures about 7, while granite measures about 6.
Quartz vs. Quartzite, What's the Difference?
The words quartz and quartzite may look similar, but they are not the same thing. To answer the question of whether there is a difference between quartz and quartzite, it is most important to compare the structure and appearance of the two stones. The most important difference between quartzite and quartzite is that quartzite is a natural stone, while quartzite is a man-made stone. Through a natural process of heat and pressure, the gleaming quartz crystals of sandstone form quartzite. In simple terms, quartz is the "bricks" that make up quartzite, while quartzite is the "wall" that is "built" from these bricks.
While quartz is already quite hard on its own, when it is turned into quartzite under high pressure, both the hardness and density are further enhanced, making quartzite an extremely durable building material. If you choose quartz, you get a countertop that doesn't require any maintenance, other than daily cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent. However, different finishes will require more or less maintenance, so make sure to set the right expectations with your manufacturer.
How Durable are White Super Quartzite Countertops?
When it comes to durability, super white quartzite countertops are more than just a show. It's so popular not only because of its flawless white appearance, but also because of its first-class durability.
The hardness of quartzite makes it almost impossible to scratch or wear it out in daily use. Whether it's cutting with knives, the weight of pots and pans, or high-temperature cooking, it can handle it with ease. In addition, due to its dense structure, quartzite hardly absorbs water, so it is not easily stained or contaminated. In short, super white quartzite countertops are not only beautiful, but also very "durable".
Super White Quartzite Kitchen Countertop Maintenance
Although super white quartzite countertops are very durable, proper maintenance is still essential. After all, who doesn't want their kitchen countertops to look new for a long time?
Daily maintenance is very simple, just wipe it with warm water and neutral detergent. Avoid using detergents containing acidic or alkaline ingredients, as they may corrode the surface of quartzite. In addition, although quartzite is heat-resistant, long-term exposure to high temperatures may still cause heat marks on the surface. It is recommended to use an insulating pad when placing hot pots. If you find that the countertop has slight scratches, you can try to gently polish it with fine sandpaper and then restore the gloss with a polish.
Ultra-White Quartzite Countertop Cost
Ultra-white quartzite countertops sound so perfect, and the price is naturally not cheap, with an installation cost of $105 per square foot. Generally speaking, its price is much higher than that of ordinary quartz countertops or granite countertops. Factors affecting the price include the purity, color, texture of the quartzite, and the installation cost.
However, considering its durability and low maintenance cost, this investment is very cost-effective in the long run. After all, you don’t want to replace the countertop again after installing it.
Ultra-White Quartzite Countertop Durability
In addition to appearance, ultra-white quartzite countertops also perform well in durability. Its hardness allows it to withstand the various scratches and impacts of daily kitchen activities, while its dense structure makes it less likely to absorb liquids, thus preventing stains from penetrating.
In addition, quartzite is also very resistant to high temperatures. Although prolonged exposure to extreme heat may still cause damage to its surface, general cooking temperatures are nothing to it.
Is Super White Quartzite Countertop Marble?
Super white quartzite countertops sound so high-end that many people may ask, is it a kind of marble? The answer is no.
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate, while quartzite is mainly composed of quartz minerals. Although they are both metamorphic rocks, the composition and properties of the two are very different. Marble is softer and easily scratched or corroded, while quartzite is much harder. Why choose marble when you can have both the appearance of marble and better durability?
So, if durability is your primary consideration when considering countertop materials, then super white quartzite is obviously better than marble.
Quartzite vs. Granite Countertops – Which Should I Choose for My Kitchen?
When choosing between quartzite and granite, you need to consider your kitchen style and personal preference. If you prefer a more natural, grainy texture, granite may be the best choice for you. Granite comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making each piece unique and adding a lot of personality to your kitchen.
However, if you prefer a simple, modern style, ultra-white quartzite countertops are more suitable for you. Its pure white hue can make the kitchen look brighter and more spacious, and it is also harder and more durable.
Quartzite Countertops vs. Marble – Which is Better?
If you are struggling between quartzite and marble, you may want to compare them in the following aspects. The first is durability. Quartzite is the clear winner. It is harder and more scratch-resistant than marble, and it is not easily corroded by acids. While marble is beautiful, it is very sensitive to stains and acids and can easily leave permanent marks.
The second is maintenance. Quartzite requires little special maintenance, while marble requires regular sealing and careful maintenance. However, in terms of appearance, marble has a unique natural texture and is a classic choice that many people love. If you value aesthetics more and are willing to invest more time and effort in maintenance, marble is also a good choice.
What Other Quartzite Varieties Are There?
Although super white quartzite is currently very popular, there are many other colors and patterns in the quartzite family. For example, gray, beige, and even quartzite with a hint of pink or blue veins. These quartzite varieties retain the high hardness and durability of quartzite while providing a variety of options for different styles of kitchens. If you are looking for something new besides the classic white, you might consider these colorful quartzite varieties.
In addition, the important fact that you should remember is that different manufacturers have different names for quartzite varieties. Always ask your manufacturer about the softness and purity of the quartzite you are considering. Also, ask about their experience with this particular stone.
Can I Install Quartzite Countertops Myself?
Although DIY is becoming more and more popular in home decoration, it is still recommended to ask professionals to install quartzite countertops. Quartzite is very hard and heavy, and professional tools and techniques are required during cutting and installation. A little carelessness during installation may cause the countertop to be damaged or improperly installed, affecting the subsequent use experience. Therefore, in order to ensure the accuracy and beauty of the countertop installation, it is best to leave it to experienced professionals.
What Is the Best Sealant for Ultra-White Quartzite?
Although ultra-white quartzite itself has an extremely high density and is not easy to absorb water or stain, the use of sealants can still provide additional protection. When choosing a sealant, it is recommended to choose a high-quality sealing product designed specifically for quartzite.
Some of the top sealant brands on the market, such as Granite Gold Sealer and Tuff Duck Sealer, have a very good reputation. These sealants can not only penetrate into the tiny gaps of quartzite to form an invisible barrier, but also maintain the natural luster of quartzite.
The sealing process is not complicated. Usually, you only need to apply the sealant evenly on the quartzite countertop, wait for a while for it to penetrate, and then wipe off the excess sealant with a clean cloth. It is usually recommended to seal once a year or every two years, which can ensure that the quartzite countertop remains in its perfect condition for a long time.
Summary of Ultra White Quartzite Countertops
Ultra-white quartzite countertops have become a popular choice for modern kitchens due to their beauty, durability and low maintenance. Not only does it bring a simple and modern visual effect to the kitchen, it also performs well in daily use. Whether compared with granite, marble, or other quartzite varieties, ultra-white quartzite has advantages that cannot be ignored.
Although its cost may be relatively high, ultra-white quartzite countertops are undoubtedly a wise choice for those who want a one-time investment to get a long-term return. Finally, whether you install it yourself or ask a professional to do it, make sure to choose the right sealant and maintenance method so that your ultra-white quartzite countertop can maintain its original beauty and functionality for many years to come.
On the road to kitchen decoration, it is undoubtedly crucial to choose a countertop material that is both beautiful and practical. The emergence of ultra-white quartzite just meets the dual needs of modern people for high appearance and high performance of kitchen countertops. Whether you are a cooking expert or just cook occasionally, having a durable and beautiful ultra-white quartzite countertop can make your kitchen time more pleasant and comfortable.