Quartzite

An amazing material, quartzite is naturally strong, and heat and stain resistant. Quartzite is formed from sandstone and quartz together under a great deal of heat and pressure. The empty grains of sandstone are filled with quartz, making quartzite harder than quartz. On the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), with 10 the hardest, granite measures between 6 and 6.5; whereas quartzite measures around 7.

Although quartzite is considered an exceptional material for use in countertops, etching on the surface may occur. The more sought after quartzite originates in Brazil and India. The difference in price for the material in either slabs or tiles will depend on the availability of colors and the location of origin.