Quartzite
Natural stone with marble looks and near-granite hardness. Still needs sealing once a year.
$110 – $200 / sq ft installed
Indicative NYC pricing — final scope confirmed at estimate.
About quartzite
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone — not to be confused with engineered quartz. It offers marble-like veining with hardness closer to granite, which makes it the go-to upgrade for people who want natural stone without constant etching.
Quality varies: some slabs sold as quartzite contain enough dolomite to behave like marble. A reputable fabricator will test.
Specifier's tips
- Ask the yard for an acid test to confirm it's true quartzite
- Fabrication is slower and harder on tooling — expect a small premium
- Seal yearly; it is porous even though it resists etching
Frequently asked
Quartzite or quartz?
Quartzite for natural depth and heat tolerance; quartz for zero maintenance and predictable pattern.
Is it heat resistant?
Yes, far more than engineered quartz — but a trivet is still good practice for thermal shock.