Is Quartzite More Expensive Than Granite?
Quick Answer
Yes, quartzite is generally 20-50% more expensive than granite for comparable quality. Mid-range quartzite runs $60-$120 per square foot installed, while mid-range granite runs $45-$80 per square foot installed. Premium quartzite varieties (Taj Mahal, Cristallo, Mont Blanc) can reach $150-$300+ per square foot. The higher cost reflects quartzite's rarity, difficulty in quarrying, and additional fabrication challenges due to its extreme hardness.
TL;DR
- Quartzite costs 20-50% more than granite on average
- Entry-level quartzite: $45-$70/sq ft installed; Entry-level granite: $35-$55/sq ft installed
- Premium quartzite: $100-$300+/sq ft; Premium granite: $80-$150/sq ft
- Fabrication costs more for quartzite - it's harder than granite and wears tools faster
- Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7-8), more heat-resistant, and more scratch-resistant than granite
- Both materials need sealing; maintenance costs are similar
- For a 40 sq ft kitchen: granite averages $1,800-$4,000; quartzite averages $2,400-$6,000+
- Quartzite is a natural stone - don't confuse it with quartz (engineered)
Price Comparison by Material Grade
| Grade | Granite (Installed/sq ft) | Quartzite (Installed/sq ft) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $35-$55 | $45-$70 | +20-30% |
| Mid-range | $55-$80 | $70-$120 | +25-50% |
| Premium | $80-$150 | $120-$200 | +30-50% |
| Exotic/rare | $150-$250+ | $200-$300+ | +30-40% |
Popular Varieties and Their Pricing
Quartzite Varieties
| Quartzite | Installed Cost/sq ft | Description |
|---|---|---|
| White Macaubas | $60-$100 | White/gray with dramatic veining |
| Taj Mahal | $80-$140 | Warm gold/beige with subtle movement |
| Super White | $70-$120 | Bright white with gray veining |
| Cristallo | $100-$180 | White with quartz crystal formations |
| Mont Blanc | $80-$130 | White with gold and gray tones |
| Fusion | $70-$110 | Multi-colored with dramatic patterns |
| Sea Pearl | $75-$120 | Gray/green with pearl-like shimmer |
Granite Varieties
| Granite | Installed Cost/sq ft | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Uba Tuba | $35-$55 | Dark green/black, very affordable |
| Santa Cecilia | $35-$55 | Gold/brown, popular mid-range |
| New Venetian Gold | $40-$60 | Gold with amber and brown tones |
| Alaska White | $45-$70 | White/gray with dark speckling |
| Blue Pearl | $55-$80 | Blue/silver with labradorite crystals |
| Typhoon Bordeaux | $60-$90 | Cream/gold with dramatic movement |
| Blue Bahia | $150-$250+ | Vivid blue, exotic premium |
Why Quartzite Costs More
Rarity and Quarrying
Quartzite is formed when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth's crust. This metamorphic process makes quartzite deposits less common than granite deposits. Many popular quartzite varieties come from a limited number of quarries in Brazil, and supply can be inconsistent.
Fabrication Difficulty
Quartzite is significantly harder than granite - Mohs 7-8 compared to granite's 6-7. This hardness means:
- CNC and saw blades wear out faster - Diamond tooling for quartzite has a shorter lifespan, increasing tooling costs by 30-50%
- Cutting is slower - Feed rates must be reduced to prevent chipping, which means longer machine time per piece
- Edge profiling takes longer - Complex profiles (ogee, mitered) require more passes and more careful work
- Risk of breakage is lower (quartzite is very strong), but chipping during fabrication is a concern with certain varieties
Some fabrication shops charge a quartzite upcharge of $5-$15 per square foot to account for these additional production costs.
Transportation
Many premium quartzite slabs are imported from Brazil, which adds significant shipping costs. A container of quartzite slabs from Brazil involves:
- Quarry extraction costs
- Overland transport to the port
- Ocean freight to the U.S.
- Port handling and customs
- Domestic trucking to distributors
These logistics costs are reflected in the slab price at your local distributor.
Demand
Quartzite has grown dramatically in popularity over the past decade, particularly among high-end homeowners and designers. Demand growth combined with limited supply has pushed prices upward. Some varieties (Taj Mahal, Cristallo) command premium prices partly due to brand recognition in the design community.
Total Cost Comparison for a 40 sq ft Kitchen
| Cost Component | Granite Kitchen | Quartzite Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Material (slab) | $800-$2,400 | $1,200-$4,000 |
| Fabrication | $600-$1,200 | $800-$1,600 |
| Installation | $400-$800 | $400-$800 |
| Sealer | $15-$30 | $15-$30 |
| Total installed | $1,815-$4,430 | $2,415-$6,430 |
For a standard 40 sq ft kitchen with mid-range material, you're looking at roughly $1,000-$2,000 more for quartzite compared to granite.
Performance Comparison: Is the Extra Cost Justified?
| Property | Granite | Quartzite | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 6-7 Mohs | 7-8 Mohs | Quartzite |
| Scratch resistance | Very good | Excellent | Quartzite |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Stain resistance (sealed) | Good | Good | Tie |
| Acid resistance | Good | Fair-Good (varies by variety) | Granite, slightly |
| UV resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Maintenance | Seal every 1-2 years | Seal every 1-2 years | Tie |
| Color options | Very wide | More limited | Granite |
| Uniqueness per slab | High | Very high | Quartzite |
| Longevity | 20-30+ years | 25-30+ years | Quartzite, slightly |
Quartzite's performance edge over granite is real but modest. The primary reasons to choose quartzite are aesthetic preference (the marble-like appearance with granite-like durability) and the extreme scratch/heat resistance.
The Real Reason People Choose Quartzite Over Granite
Most quartzite buyers aren't comparing quartzite to granite - they're comparing quartzite to marble. Quartzite offers:
- The soft, veined aesthetic of marble
- The durability of granite (or better)
- No etching from acidic foods (unlike marble)
- Heat resistance that quartz engineered stone can't match
Quartzite occupies a unique position: it looks like marble but performs like granite. For homeowners who want that white, veined kitchen but don't want marble's maintenance, quartzite is the answer - and they're willing to pay the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartzite worth the extra cost over granite?
If you specifically want the marble-like aesthetic with granite-level durability, yes. If you're happy with the look of granite, the extra cost doesn't buy you enough performance improvement to justify the price difference.
What's the cheapest quartzite?
Fantasy Brown (which is debated as quartzite vs. dolomitic marble) starts around $35-$50/sq ft installed. White Macaubas and some Brazilian varieties start around $55-$70/sq ft. True budget quartzite options are limited.
Why is Taj Mahal quartzite so expensive?
Taj Mahal comes from specific quarries in Brazil with limited output. Its warm gold tones and subtle movement are highly sought after by designers. Supply constraints and strong demand keep prices at $80-$140+/sq ft installed.
Does quartzite need more maintenance than granite?
No. Maintenance is essentially identical - seal every 1-2 years, clean with pH-neutral products, and use cutting boards and trivets. Some quartzite varieties are slightly more porous than dense granites, but the difference is minor.
Can I get a quartzite look for less money?
Yes - marble-look quartz (Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone) offers a similar aesthetic at $50-$100/sq ft installed with zero maintenance. You lose the natural stone character and heat resistance, but gain stain resistance and consistency.
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the earth. Quartz (as used in countertops) is an engineered product made from ground quartz crystals and polymer resin. They're completely different materials with different properties, and the naming similarity causes significant consumer confusion.
How do I know if I'm getting real quartzite?
Ask for the specific slab name and origin. Reputable distributors provide material documentation. Some stones marketed as quartzite are actually dolomitic marble or other soft stone - the acid test (a drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous spot) confirms true quartzite (no reaction) vs. marble/dolomite (fizzes).
Does quartzite etch like marble?
True quartzite does not etch from acid. However, some materials sold as "quartzite" are actually dolomitic marble and will etch. If your "quartzite" etches from lemon juice, it's likely mislabeled marble.
Which is better for outdoor use - quartzite or granite?
Both perform well outdoors. Quartzite's superior hardness gives it a slight edge in extreme weather conditions, but granite is equally UV-resistant and heat/cold tolerant. Choose based on aesthetic preference for outdoor applications.
How long will quartzite countertops last?
Indefinitely with proper care. Quartzite is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available. It can be re-polished and re-sealed for generations. Like granite, it will outlast your cabinets, appliances, and likely the home itself.
Choose the Right Stone for Your Budget and Taste
Quartzite is a premium natural stone with premium pricing. Whether it's worth the extra cost over granite depends on your aesthetic goals and budget. Both materials deliver decades of beautiful, functional kitchen surface.
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Quartzite Classification and Properties Guide
- Marble Institute of America - Natural Stone Pricing Data (2024)
- Stone World Magazine - "The Rise of Quartzite in Residential Design" (2024)
- Fabricators Alliance - Fabrication Cost Benchmarks by Material Type (2024)
- HomeAdvisor - Countertop Material Cost Data (2024)
- Consumer Reports - "Natural Stone Countertop Buying Guide" (2024)