Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is formed when sandstone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure. Quartzite is a durable and beautiful natural stone, and as such, it is sought after for a variety of uses.
Quartzite can be found in many different grades, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
The two primary categories of quartzite are soft and hard. Soft quartzite is often used for architectural applications, and its differing grades, based on their hardness and sill, can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.
Hard quartzite is a high-end option for luxury surfaces, such as countertops and backsplashes, and is highly valued for its strength and beauty.
Soft Quartzite
Soft quartzite is usually light in color, and is the softer of the two varieties. It can range in hardness from 22 to 37 on the Mohs hardness scale. As a result of its softer qualities, many shades of cream, tan, grey, white and even some light pinks can be found in softer quartzite varieties.
Soft quartzite is a great choice if you’re looking for a durable but not overly expensive material for use outdoors, as well as on walls, countertops and backsplashes.
Premium Quartzite
Premium quartzite is generally the hardest of the two varieties, and is valued for its strength, stain resistance and beauty. It ranges in hardness from 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it slightly softer than granite.
Premium quartzite is often darker in color than soft varieties, and can range from honey hues to stripes of gray, black, and even purple. It is the best choice for luxury projects, such as countertops, backsplashes and stairs.
High-grade Quartzite
High-grade quartzite is superior to most grades of natural stone, and it is often used for hard-wearing surfaces, such as floors and walls. It is often dark in color, ranging from deep browns to charcoal grey.
High-grade quartzite is commonly used in commercial applications, because it is more durable than other grades. It ranges in hardness from 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, and is one of the most durable stone products on the market.
What is the most durable quartzite?
The most durable quartzite is Aida Quartzite, which is a product of Brazil. Aida Quartzite is known for its durability, strength, and beauty. It is a quartzite with a very low absorption rate and a high resistance to staining and weathering.
Aida Quartzite also has a very attractive appearance with its unique black and gray bands that create an attractive pattern. Aida Quartzite is a great choice for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding because of its strength, low maintenance and durability.
In addition, it is also very easy to clean and maintain. Aida Quartzite is resistant to acids, making it an ideal material to use in high traffic areas. Another prominent feature of Aida Quartzite is its heat resistance.
This makes it perfect for areas near fireplaces or ovens. Due to its robustness and beauty, Quartzite is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of applications.
Is all quartzite the same?
No, not all quartzite is the same. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock composed of quartz grains and is primarily formed from sandstone. It forms when heating and pressure from the recrystallization of quartz grains caused by the regional metamorphic process is applied over a long period of time.
However, due to various levels of heat and pressure, quartzite can vary in its characteristics across geographic locations. Different types of quartzites can be found to contain various minerals depending on the environment and composition of the original sandstone.
In some cases, quartzite may encompass other minerals including feldspars, holes, and micas. Additionally, quartzite can have different appearances and textures, such as variations in color, grain size, luster, strength, hardness, and lithology.
Therefore, quartzite is not uniform and the characteristics of quartzite can differ significantly depending on the place and circumstances of its formation.
Can I put hot pans on quartzite?
Yes, you can put hot pans on quartzite as it is a heat-resistant material. However, you should use pads or trivets to protect it from scratches and scorching, as quartzite is not totally heat-proof. It can become discolored if it is exposed to temperatures of 180 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
It is best to use a pot holder and pad when transferring hot pans to quartzite countertops and other surfaces.
Is Taj Mahal quartzite hard or soft?
Taj Mahal quartzite is hard, with a Mohs Hardness rating of 6-7. This places it in the quartzitic sandstone family, ranking it among some of the most durable stones and making it a great choice for countertops, exterior facades and flooring.
Quartzite is extremely hard, making it scratch and chip resistant, and even resistant to heat and weathering. Its distinct colors, movement and interest create an impact in any space. Its durability also means it can withstand exposure to heavy wear and tear, making it ideal for homes and businesses with a high level of traffic.
Do quartzite countertops scratch easily?
Quartzite countertops are generally quite resistant to scratching, although there are always exceptions depending on the individual piece chosen. The quartzite used for countertops typically has a Mohs rating of 6-7, which means it is harder than many common household objects.
However, like all countertop materials, there are still some things that may cause furniture to scratch, such as harsh abrasive cleaners, overly hot pans, and sharp objects. If you’re worried about scratches, you could choose quartzite slabs with more texture or a honed finish, which hides scratches better than a polished finish.
Taking extra precaution such as using cutting boards, trivets and placemats will also help ensure your countertops stay looking beautiful for years to come.
What makes quartzite hard?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone is subjected to extreme pressure and heat. During its formation, the individual quartz particles within the sandstone fuse into a solid mass, resulting in a hard, dense, and durable material with a silica content up to 95% or more.
Quartzite’s hardness is largely due to its high content of quartz, which is one of the hardest minerals on Earth with a Mohs hardness rating of 7. Due to its high quartz content, quartzite is almost resistant to physical and chemical weathering, making it an ideal material for building and construction projects outdoors.
Quartzite also does not scratch easily, which is why it is an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
What quartzite is most popular?
The most popular type of quartzite is called Super White Quartzite. This type of quartzite is quarried in Brazil, and is increasingly being used for applications such as countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and more.
It is a stunning natural stone that has white and gray tones, with veining and accents of blue and gold. Super White Quartzite has unique flecks, veins, and other features that make it a great choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
It is highly durable, chip resistant, and can stand up to extreme temperatures, making it a great long-term investment. It can also be used in a range of design styles and is especially well suited for modern spaces.
Super White Quartzite is also low-maintenance, which makes it a smart choice for homeowners or busy business owners.
Does quartzite come in light colors?
Yes, quartzite can come in light colors. Natural quartzite often has creamy white or light gray hues, which may be complemented by reddish-brown or pinkish flecks. However, depending on the particular stone, quartzite may have a wide range of colors – from deep black to thin white – and shows off various veining and mottling patterns.
Some quartzite is naturally very light in color, while others may be dyed or stained to reach lighter tones. Dyed quartzite also possesses better durability than non-treated stones, making it an ideal choice for flooring, countertops, and accents.
How can you tell the quality of quartzite?
One of the best ways to tell the quality of quartzite is to inspect the material closely to determine its content and composition. High quality quartzite should have a hard, non-porous surface that is highly resistant to abrasion, scratching and staining.
The size and shape of quartzite grains should also be uniform and consistent, with no evidence of cleavage or fracture. In addition, quality quartzite should also have a consistent and even color ranging from white to gray to pink, with no visible veins or blemishes.
Lastly, the quartzite should be highly resistant to heat and protection from acidic or alkaline substances. These qualities, among others, can help to determine the overall quality of quartzite and ensure that the material selected is the highest possible quality.
How much does a slab of quartzite cost?
The cost of a slab of quartzite can vary depending on a few factors such as the quality, size, colour, and country of origin. Generally, it can range anywhere from $30 to $250 per square foot, plus installation costs.
Typically, high quality quartzite is more expensive than low quality. The bigger the slab, the more expensive the cost will be. Specialty colours may also add to the cost. Finally, the country of origin can affect the price of quartzite; for example, quartzite from Brazil is usually more expensive than quartzite from India.
Ultimately, the cost of quartzite will depend on the type and quality that you purchase.
How often do I need to seal quartzite?
Quartzite is a dense stone with a reputation for being extremely durable. Therefore, it requires minimal maintenance. If it is properly sealed, it can resist staining and surface damage as well. It is generally recommended to seal quartzite every 12 to 18 months, with a high-quality impregnating sealer specifically designed for natural stone.
When you are ready to seal quartzite, be sure to clean the surface thoroughly using a pH neutral stone cleaner. After the stone is completely dry, apply a generous amount of sealer to the surface. Allow it to penetrate for the time indicated on the product label, and then wipe off any sealer residue.
Quartzite is a resilient material that is easy to clean and maintain. When sealed properly, its smooth surface will remain beautiful and harm-resistant for many years.
How do you care for the Taj Mahal quartzite?
Caring for a Taj Mahal quartzite surface is relatively easy and straightforward. First, always remember to use a clean, soft cloth or sponge when cleaning the Taj Mahal quartzite surface and avoid using any corrosive cleaning products.
Secondly, to prevent scratches, it’s recommended to use a mild detergent and warm water as a cleaning solution, and never to use any abrasive products such as scouring pads, steel wool, or even bleach.
If necessary, you may also use a soft scrub brush, applied lightly and evenly across the surface. Lastly, in order to properly care for a Taj Mahal quartzite surface you must use a high-quality stone sealer every few years to protect the stone from staining and wear.
It may also be necessary to use a stone polisher every few years as well, depending on the condition of the quartzite. In most cases, the manufacturer’s care instructions for the Taj Mahal quartzite should be followed in order to keep the stone looking great for many years to come.