Granite vs. Quartzite Countertops: How Do They Compare?
Published •6 min read
Granite and quartzite are both hard natural stones that handle everyday kitchen life well. The Natural Stone Institute notes they have similar practical properties: both are harder than glass and neither etches from everyday kitchen acids. The main differences are look and price. Granite typically has flecks and speckles in a huge range of colors; quartzite often has soft, flowing veining that resembles marble, and it usually costs more.
Granite vs. Quartzite at a Glance
| Granite | Quartzite | |
|---|---|---|
| How it forms | Igneous rock that forms from magma | Metamorphic rock formed from quartz sandstone |
| Typical look | Distinct flecks and speckles; huge color range | Mostly white or light; soft, flowing veining, often marble-like |
| Hardness and acids | Hard; resists everyday acids | Hard; resists everyday acids |
| Sealing | Varies by stone; many benefit from it | Varies by stone; porous types benefit from it |
| Typical cost (national) | Typical project about $2,000-$5,000 | About $80-$220 per sq. ft. installed |
Appearance
The Natural Stone Institute explains that granite visually has distinct flecks of darker colors, while quartzite has either no dark colors at all or subtle, flowing areas of color. If you want the classic marble look with durability, quartzite is usually the draw. If you want a wide range of colors, from whites to blacks, greens and blues, granite offers more choice.
Durability and Care
Both stones are harder than glass and don't etch from everyday acids like lemon or vinegar. Sealing depends on the individual stone: dense dark granites rarely need it, and tightly bonded quartzites need less than porous ones. Both clean easily with a neutral stone cleaner. The Natural Stone Institute notes it's not the worst mistake if quartzite is labeled granite, because they behave similarly; the bigger risk is marble sold as quartzite.
Cost
National guides put a typical granite project at roughly $2,000 to $5,000 (HomeAdvisor June 2026; Fixr January 2025), and installed quartzite at about $80 to $220 per square foot, averaging about $3,950 to $4,200 for 30 square feet (HomeAdvisor June 2026; Fixr August 2025). Quartzite's hardness also makes fabrication slower. These are national estimates, not Mega Solutions prices.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose granite for the widest color range and generally lower cost.
- Choose quartzite for a marble-like look with natural-stone toughness, if the budget allows.
- Either works outdoors and in busy kitchens; test quartzite samples to make sure they're genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartzite harder than granite?
Both are harder than glass and very durable. The Natural Stone Institute notes they have similar practical properties on a countertop.
Which is more expensive, granite or quartzite?
Quartzite generally costs more. National guides put installed quartzite at about $80 to $220 per square foot, while typical granite projects run about $2,000 to $5,000.
Does quartzite need sealing like granite?
Both depend on the individual stone. Dense stones need little sealing; more porous ones benefit from it.
Which looks more like marble?
Quartzite, which often has soft, flowing veining. Granite usually has distinct flecks and speckles.
Get a Quote from Mega Solutions
Mega Solutions installs granite, quartzite, quartz and marble countertops, and also sells and installs cabinets. Request a personalized quote based on your measurements and the stones you're considering.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute, "The Definitive Guide to Quartzite": usenaturalstone.org
- Natural Stone Institute, "What Is Granite? Technical Data and Best Practices": naturalstoneinstitute.org
- HomeAdvisor, "How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?" (updated June 2026): homeadvisor.com
- HomeAdvisor, "What Do Quartzite Countertops Cost?" (updated June 2026): homeadvisor.com
- Fixr, "Quartzite Countertops Price" (updated August 2025): fixr.com
- Fixr, "Granite Countertop Installation Cost" (updated January 2025): fixr.com
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