Marble Vs Quartzite ; Tell the Difference Easily
Quartzite shares some similarities to marble due to which it is growing popular as a natural stone for kitchens and bathrooms. But this has created some ambiguity amongst homeowners as well as other categories of consumers, leading to a Marble vs Quartzite discussion. Most of them are frequently unsure of the precise major distinctions and which one to select. In terms of design, structural strength, and appeal, both these natural stones have a lot to offer. Each stone is made entirely of natural materials that come into existence on their own, without human interference. Both are visually pleasing. And both are available in warehouses as a surface material for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial level projects. However, there are significant differences between these materials.
Acknowledging this confusion, we have brought to you this article so that next time you see one, you’ll be confidently told apart both from one another.
Quartzite and Marble - Origin and Composition
Dolomite or limestone is the source of marble, a mineral, while quartz sandstone is the source of quartzite, a non-mineral. Quartzite is created when the quartz grains in sandstone fuse under extreme pressure and heat. Although heat and pressure do cause both of these stones’ composition to change, they do not melt. Marble vs Quartzite, both are metamorphic rocks, however, quartzite does not contain calcite in its chemical makeup. This is important because any acidic liquid that accidentally spills over marble, like citrus juice or tomato sauce, will affect the surface by producing marks known as etches. Furthermore, quartzite is robust and durable compared to marble's softness.
Marble vs Quartzite Cost
Contrary to popular belief, marble is not always more expensive than quartzite. For homeowners on a tight budget who want marble in their kitchen or bathroom, Carrara, one of the most popular marble varieties, is a great option. Other marble variants are equally reasonably priced and sometimes less expensive than quartzite, for example, the increasingly popular Statuario variety. Calacatta marble, on the other hand, is one of the most costly stones available. Even if quartzite is more affordable, some homeowners could still view it as a luxury.
Marble and Quartzite Compared
Numerous reasons that have contributed to quartzite's recent growth in popularity as a natural stone among architects and homeowners are:
Quartzite, also a natural stone, has a marble-like appearance
Quartzite is more resilient than marble.
Because it is a harder stone, it is more durable and ages nicely.
Quartzite is available in a variety of colours, similar to marble.
Look for yourself, the difference between marble and quartzite worktops.
Which is Favoured; Quartzite or Marble?
It could be easy to assume that a tougher material is immediately superior. That isn't always the case, though. For some uses, the softer stone is easier to work with than the harder stone. Furthermore, cutting, drilling, or polishing the surface of a hard substance may be risky since it can be more fragile. For instance, sculpture artists frequently employ marble as a medium. One explanation is because of how easily it can be moulded and levelled. Additionally, it is a durable substance.
Therefore, marble continues to be the most prominent natural stone despite the sharp increase in quartzite's appeal. Marble is largely considered to be the pinnacle of luxury.
Popularity of Marble Simplified
Marble has incomparable beauty. White marble in particular is breath-taking and enhances the beauty and grandeur of any space it is in. Grey, green, and other lesser-known marble colours including amber, emerald, and pink are all equally stunning. It is exaggerated that marble is delicate and easily stained. With the right maintenance, this priceless natural stone will have a long life. Some marbles, like Calacatta and Statuario, are unrivalled in their exquisite look and continue to be incredibly popular.
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Is Soft Quartzite Real?
In an unsatisfactory attempt to justify why a stone that bears the name "quartzite" is not actually as hard and resilient as true quartzite, the awkward term "soft quartzite" has evolved. However, soft quartzite doesn't actually exist. Only one type of quartzite exists, and it is tough. It's most certainly marble when a rock is described as a soft quartzite.
Tell the Difference Between Marble and Quartzite?
Given how similar quartzite and marble appear, it is a worthwhile pursuit to understand their differences. There are instances where marble slabs are misidentified as quartzite. This can result in problems since, as we have already mentioned, these materials are composed of several components. Merely by looking at the stone, it may be difficult or impossible to distinguish between Marble and Quartzite. The question is, how can you tell whether the material you are examining is quartzite or marble? Is it possible to distinguish between them with accuracy? Yes. The following tests can be used to identify whether a slab is a marble or quartzite.
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Effective Quartzite Vs Marble Test
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Scratch Test
One way to distinguish a Marble Vs Quartzite is to perform a scratch test. Since these two materials differ in hardness, using a piece of the stone to 'scratch' a material that is harder than marble but softer than quartzite will reveal which stone you have.
The steps to perform a scratch test are as follows:
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Grab a glass tile and lay it on a levelled surface
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Get the stone material you want to carry the test on
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Rub the glass with the pointy edge of the stone with force
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Either the stone will break because the glass is harder, or the glass will cause the stone to scrape because the stone is harder.
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If the stone is affected (breaks/disintegrates), it is a marble. If the glass is affected(scratches/shatters), it is quartzite.
If the stone is highly variegated in terms of colour and minerals, you might need to examine more than one area of the slab for this test.
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Etch Test
The etch test, commonly referred to as the acid test, is a distinct type of test you can perform to tell Marble vs Quartzite. Thanks to the minerals that make up these stones, an acid test is effective. As was already explained, calcite makes up marble, and quartz makes up quartzite. It turns out that calcite and acid react, causing the marble to "etch." Quartz, on the contrary hand, is inert and thus quartzite won't etch. Therefore, you can subject the stone in question to acid and observe how it reacts.
Steps to perform an etch test is as follows:
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Test a scrap piece of stone or a small section of the slab that will be cut away during the templating process.
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Put a little bit of an acidic liquid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, on a portion of the stone's polished surface.
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Allow the liquid to rest on the surface for ten to twenty minutes.
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The stone is considered to be etched if the liquid makes the surface appear discoloured or dull.
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Marble will etch when exposed to acidic substances; quartzite won't etch at all. Hence, you now know what slab you were holding.
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So, Marble vs Quartzite; what are you choosing? Send Your Stone or Worktop Inquiry Here and Get a Free Quote.