How Do Quartz Countertops Differ from Granite or Marble?

Residential
Written By Marco Fazio

… and what about Quartzite?

 
Quartz, granite, marble and quartzite countertops by stoneCIRCLE - photo by Marco Joe Fazio
 

When it comes to choosing the perfect countertop material, quartz, granite, and marble often take centre stage. These options offer a mix of beauty, durability, and functionality. But have you considered quartzite? Often overlooked, this remarkable material combines the best of both worlds, offering unique qualities that make it worth a closer look.

 

Quartz Countertops: Engineered for Modern Living

Quartz countertops are engineered using a mix of natural quartz crystals and resins. This manufacturing process gives quartz surfaces their signature uniform appearance and makes them a highly durable and low-maintenance choice.

  • Appearance: Quartz offers a wide range of colours and patterns, from sleek modern finishes to imitations of natural stone. Its consistency makes it ideal for contemporary designs or a specific aesthetic.

  • Durability: Quartz is non-porous, making it resistant to stains, scratches, and bacterial growth. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, quartz does not require sealing. Cleaning is simple, with just soap and water or a gentle cleanser.

Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo kitchen worktop

 

 Granite Countertops: Natural Elegance

Granite is a natural stone formed deep within the earth, giving it unique and striking patterns. It’s a popular choice for homeowners looking to bring a touch of nature into their spaces.

  • Appearance: No two granite slabs are alike, so  your countertop will be unique. It’s available in a variety of hues and veining patterns that suit traditional and modern aesthetics.

  • Durability: Granite is extremely hard and heat-resistant, making it perfect for cooking spaces. However, it is porous and needs periodic sealing to resist stains and moisture.

  • Maintenance: Granite requires a little more care than quartz. Spills should be wiped up quickly, and regular sealing is necessary to protect its surface.

Belvedere Vintage granite for our outdoor kitchen worktop

 

Marble Countertops: Timeless Sophistication

Marble is synonymous with luxury and timeless beauty. It is often seen in classic and high-end designs. Its soft, luminous appearance makes it a favourite for creating elegant spaces.

  • Appearance: Marble’s soft veining and light tones create a refined and sophisticated look. No two slabs are alike, offering a unique aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate.

  • Durability: Marble is softer than granite and quartz, making it more prone to scratches and etching from acidic substances. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas or where aesthetics are a priority.

  • Maintenance: Like granite, marble is porous and requires sealing. Extra care is needed to prevent staining, especially from spills like wine, coffee, or citrus.

Waterfall top and sides, and book-matched front to the Bianco Lasa marble island with worktop, splashback and shelving behind.

 

Quartzite: The Hidden Gem of Countertops

Quartzite may not be as widely known, but it’s an exceptional natural stone that deserves attention. Formed from sandstone through intense heat and pressure, quartzite is a unique blend of beauty and resilience.

  • Appearance: Quartzite often mimics the luxurious look of marble with its soft veining and light colours, but it’s available in a broader palette, including striking earth tones and subtle hues.

  • Durability: Harder than granite, quartzite is extremely resistant to scratches, heat, and wear, making it suitable for high-traffic kitchens and outdoor applications.

  • Maintenance: Like granite, quartzite requires periodic sealing to prevent staining. With the  right care, it offers a long-lasting and sophisticated solution.

Blue Roma quartzite kitchen countertop

 

Making Your Choice

Whether you’re drawn to quartz’s versatility, granite’s bold patterns, marble’s timeless elegance, or quartzite’s remarkable durability, there’s a material to match every taste and lifestyle. Each option offers unique benefits, so the best choice depends on your priorities and the demands of your space.

At stoneCIRCLE, we specialise in crafting stunning countertops that blend design and functionality. From sourcing premium natural stones to fabricating and installing tailored surfaces, we ensure every project is a masterpiece.

Contact us today to explore our wide range of quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite options. Let us help you create a space that’s as beautiful as practical.

photography by Marco Joe Fazio Creatives

Marco Fazio

Marco Joe Fazio is CCO and director of photography at space+style™ by marco joe fazio Ltd, working in fashion, hospitality, food & drink, architecture and design.

Born and raised in Tuscany, Italy, Marco learned the rudiments of photography and the magic of the darkroom in his early school years. Thereafter, he worked in architecture, interior, and lighting design for two decades. During those years, Marco founded an award-winning architectural studio and managed a multidisciplinary design team, working mainly for fashion industry clients.

Since moving to London in 2008, Marco has been recognised as a Chartered Architect of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) while pursuing his dream of connecting the worlds of architecture, design, and fashion from the photographer's perspective.

After years of passionate dedication, hard work and professional achievements, he was awarded the Fellowship certification (FBIPP) by the British Institute of Professional Photography and won the Peter Grugeon Award for the Best Fellowship of the Year in 2016. Subsequently, he has been admitted as a member of the highly regarded Association of Photographers (AOP). 

Having achieved a stronghold in coordinated image and photography for the design and fashion world, Marco has taken his expertise into the hospitality market; luxury and boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, and the drinks and beverage industry are all reaping benefits from his services.

Today, Marco is leading his agency in assignments in the hospitality, fashion, and design industries.

Creative photography, cinematography, coordinated images and brand marketing form the core of his services.

Thanks to more than a decade in the music industry, Marco has expendable knowledge in composition and sound engineering. That knowledge is a valuable asset in creating licensed soundtracks and magnetic sound designs for commercial productions.

Marco's passion and another branch of his business are mentoring and nurturing new visual arts talents. In 2016, he launched "telling [fashion] stories" – photography & set design workshops – and more recently, he has become a lecturer for the School of Art and Creative Industries at London South Bank University (LSBU).

The crossover between genres and industries is a peculiar and essential factor in his work, contributing to thinking outside the box and achieving a unique style rich in symbolism and content.

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