Quartzite Countertops in Nokomis, Florida

What is quartzite?

Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone is fused by heat and pressure into a dense, glassy rock. It is harder than granite, handles heat well and often has the soft veining of marble. It still needs sealing, and every slab is unique, so the exact piece you choose matters.

Over millions of years, heat and pressure fuse the quartz grains together. That is why quartzite is so hard and why its veining can look like marble. Slabs come in soft whites, warm taupes and bold blues and greens.

What are the pros and cons of quartzite?

Quartzite combines a high end look with real toughness.

Pros

• Very hard and scratch resistant.
• Handles everyday cooking heat well.
• Does not fade in sunlight.
• Dramatic natural veining, often with a marble look.

Cons

• Needs periodic sealing.
• Very hard to cut, which makes fabrication more involved.
• Porosity varies from slab to slab.
• Some stones sold as quartzite are softer than true quartzite.

Is quartzite good for Florida homes?

Yes. Quartzite is a strong fit for Florida homes. Once sealed it does not mind humidity, it handles heat from the stove, and as a natural stone it holds its color in the sun. That makes it a good choice for kitchens, lanais and outdoor kitchen countertops.

If you love the look of marble but cook every day, quartzite gives you a similar feel with far more resistance to scratches and etching. Because it is so hard, quartzite also takes waterfall sides and mitered edges well, which is why it shows up on so many islands.

Still deciding? Our countertop materials comparison shows quartzite next to quartz countertops, granite and marble, so you can see the tradeoffs in one table.

How do you care for quartzite?

Use mild dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth for daily cleaning. Avoid bleach, vinegar and abrasive cleaners, which wear the sealer down. Reseal when a few drops of water darken the surface within minutes. Trivets are a good habit even with heat tolerant stone, because they also protect the sealer.

Can I see quartzite at your Nokomis showroom?

Yes. Quartzite is one of the stones where seeing the real slab makes the biggest difference, because veining can change from one end to the other. Visit our showroom at 780 N Tamiami Trail in Nokomis to compare. Our stone catalog includes quartzite names such as Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc, Ocean Blue, Dakar and Santorini. Availability changes, so call before you come for a specific slab. Bring a cabinet sample or a photo of your floors if you can, because cool blues and warm taupes read very differently next to wood.

Quartzite is a popular choice for islands in kitchen countertops. When you are ready, request your countertop estimate and we will plan the layout with you.