Quartzite Countertops: The Hidden Gem With High Satisfaction Rate in Northern Virginia and West Virginia
Most people have never heard of quartzite countertops. Even fewer know it’s not the same as quartz.
But here’s something interesting: Quartzite has the lowest negative sentiment of all countertop materials. That means fewer complaints, higher satisfaction, and happier homeowners.
If you want the beauty of marble without the headaches, quartzite might be perfect for your Northern Virginia or West Virginia kitchen.
What Is Quartzite? (And Why Everyone Confuses It)
Let’s clear up the biggest confusion first.
Quartzite is NOT quartz.
Quartzite is 100% natural stone. It starts as sandstone deep in the earth. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transform it into one of the hardest natural stones available.
Quartz is engineered stone. It’s made from crushed quartz mixed with resin in a factory.
The names sound similar. But they’re completely different materials.
One Sterling customer came to our showroom asking about “that quartzite stuff.” They thought it was a type of quartz. After seeing actual quartzite slabs, they said: “This looks like marble but feels tougher. I had no idea this existed.”
That’s the beauty of quartzite. It looks like marble but performs like granite.
Why Quartzite Has the Highest Satisfaction Rate
Here’s what makes quartzite special:
Fewer Complaints Our customer data shows quartzite has the lowest negative feedback of all countertop materials. People simply don’t complain about it.
Natural Beauty Every slab is unique. You get gorgeous veining and patterns that look like high-end marble.
Super Durable Quartzite is harder than granite. It resists scratches, heat, and daily wear better than most natural stones.
Easy Maintenance Unlike marble, quartzite doesn’t stain easily. A simple seal once a year keeps it protected.
A Martinsburg homeowner told us: “I love my countertops. The installation was beautiful, and they’ve held up perfectly for two years now.”
Get a free estimate to see quartzite options for your kitchen.
Quartzite vs Quartz: What’s the Difference?
People ask this question all the time. Let’s break it down:
Quartzite (Natural Stone):
- Formed by nature over millions of years
- Each slab is completely unique
- Harder and more heat-resistant
- Needs sealing (once a year)
- Looks like natural marble
- Higher cost
Quartz (Engineered Stone):
- Made in a factory
- Consistent patterns across slabs
- Very durable
- Never needs sealing
- Wide range of colors
- Slightly lower cost
Which is better?
It depends on what you want. If you love authentic natural stone with unique patterns, choose quartzite. If you want consistent color and zero maintenance, choose quartz.
One customer perfectly explained their choice: “I wanted something that looked natural and real. Quartz is nice, but quartzite has that wow factor.”
Both are excellent choices. Visit our Martinsburg showroom or Sterling showroom to see them side by side.
Quartzite Pros and Cons
Let’s be honest about quartzite. Nothing is perfect. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros:
- Extremely hard and durable (harder than granite)
- Heat resistant (hot pans won’t damage it)
- Scratch resistant (knives won’t leave marks)
- Natural beauty with unique patterns
- Looks like marble without marble’s problems
- Highest customer satisfaction
- Holds value for resale
Cons:
- Higher price than granite or quartz
- Needs yearly sealing (like granite)
- Limited color options (mostly whites and grays)
- Heavy (requires professional installation)
- Not widely known (harder to find)
A customer shared: “The price was higher than granite, but after seeing it installed, it was worth every penny. The seams are practically invisible.”
Common Misconceptions About Quartzite
Myth 1: “Quartzite is just expensive quartz” Wrong. They’re completely different materials. Quartzite is natural stone. Quartz is engineered.
Myth 2: “Quartzite stains easily like marble” Not true. Quartzite is much less porous than marble. With proper sealing, it resists stains well.
Myth 3: “It’s too delicate for busy kitchens” Actually, quartzite is one of the toughest countertop materials. It handles busy kitchens better than most stones.
Myth 4: “All white stones are the same” Quartzite, marble, and quartz all look different up close. Quartzite has depth and character that engineered stone can’t match.
Myth 5: “Nobody uses quartzite” More homeowners are discovering quartzite every year. It’s growing in popularity, especially in Northern Virginia.
Why Quartzite Works Perfectly for Northern Virginia and West Virginia Homes
Quartzite is ideal for our local area. Here’s why:
Classic Home Styles Northern Virginia has many traditional and colonial-style homes. Quartzite’s natural elegance fits these styles perfectly.
Busy Family Kitchens Our area has lots of active families. Quartzite handles daily use, cooking, and entertaining without showing wear.
Four-Season Climate We get hot summers and cold winters. Quartzite handles temperature changes without cracking or damage.
Resale Value Homes in Sterling, Martinsburg, and surrounding areas command good prices. Quartzite countertops add value that buyers recognize.
Professional Installation Available Not all fabricators work with quartzite. We have over 30 years of experience handling this premium material.
One homeowner said: “We wanted something special for our kitchen remodel. Quartzite was the perfect choice for our colonial-style home.”
What Makes Quartzite Special
Here’s what sets quartzite apart from other countertop materials:
Natural Formation Quartzite starts as sandstone. Over millions of years, intense heat and pressure fuse the quartz grains together. This process creates one of the hardest natural stones on earth.
Mohs Hardness Scale
- Diamond: 10 (hardest)
- Quartzite: 7-8
- Granite: 6-7
- Marble: 3-4
Heat Resistance You can place hot pots directly on quartzite. It won’t scorch or discolor like quartz can.
UV Resistance Unlike some materials, quartzite won’t fade in sunlight. Perfect for kitchens with large windows.
Unique Patterns No two slabs are alike. Your countertops will be one-of-a-kind.
Ideal Applications for Quartzite
Quartzite works beautifully in many spaces:
Kitchen Countertops This is where quartzite shines. It handles cooking, food prep, and daily use without problems.
Kitchen Islands Make your island the centerpiece with stunning quartzite. The unique patterns become a conversation starter.
Bathroom Vanities Quartzite resists water and humidity better than marble. Perfect for master bathrooms.
Outdoor Kitchens UV-resistant and weather-tough, quartzite works in outdoor applications.
Fireplace Surrounds Heat-resistant quartzite makes beautiful fireplace features.
A customer shared: “We used quartzite for our kitchen island, and everyone who visits comments on how beautiful it is.”
Schedule a consultation to discuss your project.
Quartzite Color Options
Quartzite comes mainly in lighter colors:
White Quartzites:
- Taj Mahal (soft white with gold veining)
- Sea Pearl (white with gray movement)
- Super White (crisp white with subtle veining)
Gray Quartzites:
- Silver Pearl (soft gray with shimmer)
- Monte Cristo (gray with dramatic veining)
Beige and Tan:
- Macaubas (tan with bold patterns)
- Fantasy Brown (technically quartzite, brown with swirls)
Most quartzites have veining similar to marble. Some are subtle. Others are dramatic.
Visit our showrooms to see available slabs. Each one is unique.
Maintenance: Easier Than You Think
Quartzite maintenance is simple:
Daily Care:
- Wipe with soap and water
- Use pH-neutral cleaners
- Clean spills quickly
Yearly Sealing:
- Apply penetrating sealer once a year
- Takes about 30 minutes
- Protects against stains
Avoid:
- Acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon)
- Abrasive scrubbers
- Cutting directly on the surface
One homeowner told us: “I was worried about maintenance, but it’s really easy. I seal it once a year, and it looks perfect.”
Compare this to marble, which needs sealing every few months and stains easily. Quartzite is much more forgiving.
Cost: What to Expect
Important note: These prices may change. They’re part of a temporary promotion. Always consult with our team for current pricing when you’re ready to start your project.
Quartzite typically costs more than granite but offers unique benefits:
Price Range:
- Granite: $40-$100 per square foot
- Quartzite: $70-$150 per square foot
- Marble: $75-$200+ per square foot
Why the higher cost?
- Harder to quarry and cut
- Less common than granite
- Superior durability
- Unique natural patterns
- Higher resale value
Is it worth it?
If you want natural stone beauty with excellent performance, yes. Many customers tell us they wish they’d chosen quartzite from the start instead of replacing granite or marble later.
Get pricing for your specific project with a free quote.
Why Choose Quartzite Over Marble
Love the look of marble? Consider quartzite instead:
Marble’s Problems:
- Stains from wine, coffee, and acidic foods
- Etches from lemon juice and vinegar
- Requires frequent sealing
- Scratches more easily
- High maintenance
Quartzite’s Advantages:
- Looks like marble
- Much harder and more durable
- Better stain resistance
- Less frequent sealing needed
- Lower maintenance
A customer explained: “I wanted Carrara marble so badly. But after learning about the maintenance, I chose quartzite. It looks just like marble, and I don’t worry about every spill.”
Installation: What to Expect
Professional installation is required for quartzite:
Why You Need Experts:
- Quartzite is extremely hard to cut
- Slabs are very heavy
- Seams must be perfect
- Special tools required
At Craft Countertops, our team has fabricated hundreds of quartzite installations:
Our Process:
- Visit our showroom to select your slab
- We measure your kitchen precisely
- We fabricate in our facility
- Professional installation (usually 4-6 hours)
- Complete cleanup
- Care instructions provided
One customer said: “The installation team did a beautiful job. I highly recommend their services and products—they are knowledgeable about the design and install.”
Quartzite vs Other Natural Stones
How does quartzite compare?
Quartzite vs Granite:
- Quartzite is harder
- Granite has more color options
- Both need sealing
- Similar price range
Quartzite vs Marble:
- Quartzite is much more durable
- Marble stains and etches easily
- Quartzite needs less maintenance
- Similar appearance
Quartzite vs Soapstone:
- Quartzite is harder
- Soapstone is softer and scratches
- Both are natural stone
- Different aesthetic
Quartzite wins for durability and low maintenance among natural stones.
The Growing Popularity of Quartzite
More homeowners are discovering quartzite every year:
Why It’s Trending:
- Social media showcases beautiful installations
- Home shows feature quartzite kitchens
- Designers recommend it more often
- Word-of-mouth from happy homeowners
Still Under the Radar: Most people still don’t know about quartzite. That means your kitchen will have something special that neighbors don’t have.
A Martinsburg customer said: “Everyone who visits asks what kind of countertops we have. When I say quartzite, they’ve never heard of it. Then they want it too.”
Visit Our Showrooms to See Quartzite
Photos don’t do quartzite justice. You need to see and touch it in person.
- Address: 14 Bryant Ct Suite C, Sterling, VA 20166
- Phone: (571) 554-8844
- See multiple quartzite slabs in person
- Get directions
- Address: 718 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401
- Located at North Mall Plaza
- Phone: (304) 901-5161
- Expert staff to answer questions
- Get directions
Bring photos of your kitchen. We’ll help you choose the perfect slab and discuss your project.
Is Quartzite Right for Your Kitchen?
Choose Quartzite If You:
- Want natural stone with unique patterns
- Love the look of marble without the hassle
- Need extremely durable countertops
- Don’t mind yearly sealing
- Want the best natural stone available
- Value quality over saving a few dollars
Choose Something Else If You:
- Need the lowest possible price
- Want zero maintenance (quartz is better)
- Prefer darker colors (consider granite)
- Don’t care about natural stone
Most customers who choose quartzite absolutely love it. The highest satisfaction rate speaks for itself.
Get Started with Your Quartzite Countertops
Ready to see why quartzite has the lowest complaints and highest satisfaction?
Next Steps:
- Visit our showroom to see quartzite in person
- Bring kitchen photos and measurements
- Get a free detailed quote
- Choose your perfect slab
- Schedule professional installation
- Enjoy beautiful countertops for decades
Call our Sterling location at (571) 554-8844 or our Martinsburg location at (304) 901-5161.
Request your free estimate now and discover the hidden gem of countertop materials.
Our customers say it best: “The entire experience was amazing from start to finish. Very happy with my new countertops and will use them again.”
