Quartz vs Quartzite: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

They sound almost identical, but quartz and quartzite are very different countertops. One is engineered, one is natural stone — and the wrong choice can cost you thousands in the wrong direction.

Ground natural quartz mixed with resin and pigment. Non-porous, no sealing required, consistent patterns, and typically $60–$120 per sq ft installed. Great for busy families who want zero maintenance.

A natural metamorphic rock quarried in slabs. Harder than granite, unique veining like marble, and $90–$200+ per sq ft installed. Requires periodic sealing but rewards you with a truly one-of-a-kind slab.

For most Bay Area kitchens we build, quartz wins on lifestyle fit. For a luxury kitchen remodel where the counter is the design focal point, quartzite is worth every penny.