Kitchen with quartzite worktop and full-height quartzite backsplash

Natural stone

Quartzite countertops in natural Brazilian stone

Quartzite countertops combine the look of marble with the hardness of granite. Most of the world's decorative quartzite comes from Brazil, and Brazilian quartzite is the heart of our natural stone range; ask which varieties, from soft whites to translucent showpieces, are available now.

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Illustrative interior

01Why quartzite

What makes quartzite countertops different

Quartzite forms when sandstone is pushed deep underground and the quartz grains fuse into a single interlocking mass. The result scores about 7 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than a steel knife — and contains so little calcite that kitchen acids do not etch it. Few natural materials offer that combination of toughness and softly veined beauty.

Brazil dominates the category. Its quarries supply the warm whites and creams that suit contemporary European kitchens, as well as dramatic varieties with crystal pockets and blue, green or rust tones. If you already know you love a creamy, gold-veined look, start with our dedicated page on Taj Mahal quartzite.

02Varieties

Brazilian quartzite slabs designers ask about

Trade names vary between suppliers, and each block differs. Ask us which varieties are available now.

Taj Mahal
Ivory to cream with soft gold and taupe bands. The most versatile choice for oak, walnut and warm matte lacquer.
Patagonia
A bold mix of crystal clusters, black, cream and amber fragments. Translucent enough to backlight on an island face or bar.
Cristallo
Milky, glassy and highly translucent, with white and gray crystal veins. A favorite for backlit feature walls.
Fusion
Painterly sweeps of blue, green, orange and rust. Best used where the stone is the clear focal point of the room.

Close-up of mitred stone countertop edges, a slim ceramic edge and a solid oak edge — Illustrative interior

03Buyer's check

True quartzite vs. soft quartzite

The trade name on a slab does not guarantee its mineral content. Some white stones sold as quartzite are partly or wholly dolomitic marble, which looks almost the same but can scratch and etch. Ask for an offcut and do two quick tests: a glass tile should scratch easily against true quartzite without marking the stone, and a drop of lemon juice left for 10 minutes should leave no dull ring.

We recommend this check for every quartzite purchase, including famous names. It takes minutes and protects a significant investment. If a soft stone is still the one you love, it can work well — with the care routine of marble countertops rather than granite.

04Planning data

Quartzite countertop details

Thickness: ¾ in (2 cm) or 1¼ in (3 cm); mitered aprons from 2 in upward
Edges: Eased square and small radius edges suit quartzite; very sharp arrises chip more easily
Backlighting: Translucent varieties over an LED light panel behind the stone; plan wiring and service access early
Sink options: Undermount sinks with polished cut-outs; integral drainboard grooves are possible with an experienced fabricator
Fabrication: Diamond tooling and slower cutting than granite, which influences cost
Typical installed cost: About $60–200+ per sq ft; exotic Brazilian varieties above $150 (typical US market range; varies by specification)

05Design

Quartzite in a German kitchen

Quartzite's hardness lets it go thinner than people expect. A ¾ in (2 cm) top over slim Nolte fronts gives a light, contemporary line; a mitered 2–3 in apron on the island creates weight where you want it. Translucent varieties are best kept for a bar or island end panel, where a backlight does not compete with under-cabinet LED.

Compare quartzite with the other stone families on our natural stone page and with engineered alternatives in quartz countertops. Then try worktop colors with your fronts in the kitchen configurator and book a consultation to see the slabs.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Still deciding? Call +1 (213) 776-0000 or send us your plan.

Ask a designer

Is quartzite better than granite?

Both are hard and heat-tolerant; quartzite usually has softer, marble-like veining, granite a more uniform pattern. Our quartz vs quartzite guide compares the options in depth.

Is Patagonia quartzite from Patagonia?

No. Despite the name, Patagonia is a Brazilian quartzite. Its crystal pockets and translucency make it a showpiece, often backlit on an island or bar front.

Do quartzite countertops need sealing?

Yes, usually at installation and again as the sealer wears. Dense, polished quartzites may go years between treatments; honed and leathered finishes need it more often.

Where can I see quartzite slabs in Los Angeles?

Brazilian quartzite is part of our range in Glendale. Ask our team about current availability and how to view the actual slabs for your kitchen or bathroom.