Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is natural stone, not to be confused with engineered quartz, that often looks like marble, with soft, flowing veining, but is significantly harder and more durable. For homeowners who love the marble look but worry about etching, quartzite is the answer.

It forms when sandstone is compressed under heat and pressure over time, which is what makes it so dense and tough. It's genuinely heat-resistant, so a hot pan off the stove is not a problem, and it stands up to everyday kitchen use far better than marble does.

Quartzite comes in two broad families. There are the light, marble-style stones in whites, creams, and soft grays, like the warm, gently veined Taj Mahal, which suit bright, classic kitchens. And there are the bolder, more exotic slabs, like the blue-and-gray Blue Roma, with dramatic movement that can anchor a whole room. We source quartzite from MSI Surfaces, North America's largest natural-stone distributor, among other suppliers.

Because it's natural stone, quartzite is porous and should be sealed. We seal it at installation, and you can refresh the seal about once a year. Day to day it's simple: wipe with mild soap and water, and skip harsh or abrasive cleaners. That's the whole routine.

Quartzite is a premium material, and in higher-end Northern Virginia kitchens, in McLean, Great Falls, and similar neighborhoods, an exotic slab is often the centerpiece of the design. We're glad to work directly with you or alongside your interior designer or general contractor.

Because every quartzite slab is unique, selection matters more than with almost any other material. We help you choose and reserve your actual slab, then template precisely and plan the seams so an expensive stone is never wasted. On a premium quartzite, careful measurement is the entire game.