NATURAL QUARTZITE
Quartzite is another form of natural stone. It is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone. Over millions of years, recrystallization of the quartz-rich sandstone occurs, through a process of heat and pressure, resulting in a network of interlocking quartz grains.
As with all-natural stones, there is a range within Quartzite’s of soft to hard and this information must be understood in relation to the stones intended use, care and maintenance.
As the industry leans more towards a marbled look, Quartzite’s have increased in popularity as it offers the on-trend look with added durability. However, a soft Quartzite would perform more like a Marble.
SLAB VARIATION..
When stone importers source a block of Quartzite from a quarry, that block is cut into slabs. Though each slab will usually be similar in colour, pattern and texture, it will not be identical; it is more likely to vary through the block than the average Granite, it varies similarly to Marble.
SLAB EFFICIENCY..
Your fabricator will aim to cut the slabs to maximise the pattern flow and make sure all-important sections of the slab are used efficiently for your project, ensure you have discussed your personal preferences and requirements with your fabricator before cutting starts.
naturally POROUS..
Quartzites are naturally porous materials and therefore would absorb substances if untreated. Quartzite’s should always be sealed with an appropriate sealant. Quartzite’s range from soft to hard and their care and maintenance would alter accordingly. If choosing a soft Quartzite for a high use area such a worktop, they would need to be well sealed (if they have not been pre-treated) and this process needs to be repeated at regular intervals, as the surface is likely to be more vulnerable to stains. A hard Quartzite would perform more like a hard Granite or Engineered Quartz.
CARE IN THE KITCHEN..
A soft Quartzite could scratch and we would always recommend the use of a chopping board and also to be mindful of what is placed directly onto the surface. A honed or satinato texture would make scratch marks less visible. A hard Quartzite would perform more like a hard Granite.
natural pits & holes..
Being a natural material, Quartzite’s can have pits or little holes in the surface where the crystals are very small and do not adhere to the surface, this would be evident during the selection process and would not affect the performance of the surface. In many cases these little pits will be filled by a film of resin, it depends on the stone type. Sometimes these holes are so small they do not take the resin, WFF members aim to source blocks which have less of these features, but from time to time they can occur and they should not be considered an imperfection.
ETCHING..
A soft Quartzite can be prone to etching. This is the process of acid reacting with the minerals in the surface and creating dull spots known as etches. This is different from a stain as etching is a small corrosive reaction at a microscopic level on the surface which changes the way light refracts off the surface. The etching is more visible in rooms with a lot of direct sunlight. A surface that is not in direct sunlight and a honed or textured surface would make etching less visible.
THERMAL SHOCK..
Although Quartzite surfaces can withstand a moderate amount of heat, it is still advisable to use trivets for hot pans etc as your surface can receive a thermal shock and crack or it may cause some discolouration to the surface.
CAUTION..
Quartzite’s are a strong stone, but as a worktop, it is only supported at the edges by the kitchen carcass. Joins and cut-outs can be weaker points and the surface is not designed to support the weight of a person.
Do not stand or sit on your surface or place very heavy objects on weaker points.
Dropping a heavy or sharp object onto a Marble surface may cause it to chip or crack.
CHARACTER & SOUL..
A soft Quartzite surface is undoubtedly beautiful, but it is not the right choice for everyone. It would require more maintenance and care than Granite or an Engineered Quartz surface, and you would have to live with the odd knock, scratch, stain and etching. However, if you love something with character, soul and timeless elegance and appreciate age and patina as adding to its beauty, then it can make a striking addition to any project.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE..
It is always advisable to remove a spill as soon as you possibly can by blotting away with a kitchen towel and then wiping the surface. The longer the spill sits on the surface, the increased risk of it penetrating the surface. This is particularly important for acid-based products such as vinegars, citrus, fizzy drinks and wine etc. The same applies to oil based substances such as butter, cooking oils and strongly coloured foods and liquids like beetroot, red/dark fruits, turmeric, saffron and red wine.
For daily care of your surface wipe with a moist, soft cloth with either a dilute, mild soapy solution - such as liquid dish soap or or a daily Granite and Marble cleaner such as Method, DryTreat Rejuvinata Countertop Cleaner, or Lithofin Easy-Clean. Rinse cloth, wring out & then wipe over the surface again to clear any traces of soap. Buff with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Never use highly abrasive cloth or scouring pads. Do not use bleach or acid-based cleaners, always check the label. From time to time, we would also advise a deeper clean.
Due to the propensity to etching, extra care should always be made in cleaning acid-based spills as quickly as possible. Using coasters, mats and boards to prevent direct contact of acid-based foods or liquids with the surface is strongly advisable.
You might get scratches and etches in the surface which makes up the patina of the surface as it ages with you. The good thing about soft Quartzites and Marbles is that, in most cases, they can be re-polished in situ to remove scratches and etching, it’s a personal choice.
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