Quartzite Worktops: The Smart, Sustainable Choice for Eco-Conscious Homeowners

Across the globe, communities are bearing the brunt of environmental degradation through global warming, pollution, soil erosion, etc. It has led to rising eco-consciousness, reflected in our purchase decisions. Be it with home appliances, lighting, flooring, or worktop materials, homeowners today are seeking sustainable solutions. Quartzite worktops provide a seamless visual appeal, durability, and sustainability. Quartzite is a hardwearing metamorphic rock with quartz grains fused by intense heat and pressure. The magnetic crystalline structure, natural veining patterns, and appealing light colours make it a highly coveted natural stone.

Why are Quartzite Worktops Environment-Friendly?

No Harmful Chemicals- Unlike porcelain, terrazzo, quartz, acrylic, and laminate worktops, quartzite is a 100% natural stone. Tectonic forces cause the metamorphosis of quartz with sandstone to form quartzite. Since it is naturally dense and hard-wearing, no synthetic binders or additives are added before worktop installation. Hence, no harmful chemicals or toxins are released into the environment.

Minimal Waste Generation- Several manmade worktop materials are preferred solely for their aesthetic value but need replacement in just a few years. It leads to unnecessary waste generation and energy expenditure. Quartzite is robust, durable, and more resilient than granite. With professional worktop installation, well-maintained quartzite worktops will last a lifetime without requiring unnecessary repairs or renovation.

Recyclable- Even when quartzite worktops are eventually discarded after decades of use, their recyclability makes them a highly sustainable choice. The constituent quartz mineral can be pulverised and used for manufacturing quartz worktops. In addition, the discarded quartzite surface can be broken into chips and used for manufacturing terrazzo worktops or flooring.

No Emissions- No harmful compounds are released into the environment while quarrying quartzite. Also, quartzite doesn’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air during worktop installation. Thus, homeowners can be assured of no detrimental impact on indoor air quality during or after installation.

Carbon Impact- The energy expenditure involved in quarrying and transporting quartzite is lower than the energy-intensive manufacturing processes of several engineered worktops such as glass and concrete. Hence, the lower carbon footprint of quartzite worktops makes them an environment-friendly choice.

6 Beautiful Quartzite Variants to Transform Your Kitchen

Calacatta Quartzite

Replicating the style and sophistication of the Italian Calacatta Marble, the Calacatta Quartzite has a bright white background marked by bold grey veining. Its luxurious appearance is befitting for high-end kitchens, best paired with light grey cabinets and mini-crystal chandelier lighting.

Sea Pearl Quartzite

The exotic silver-grey and greenish undertones add a fascinating twist to the otherwise subtle, light grey colour of the Sea Pearl Quartzite. Pair these attractive worktops with solid blue and green cabinets or use light shades with under-cabinet lighting for a serene look.

Taj Mahal Quartzite

The Taj Mahal Quartzite resembles the iconic marbled monument with soft ivory tones and a lush, smooth finish. The beige undertones and grey and gold veining impart a regal grandeur to the worktop. Accentuate the royal look with gold-tinted lighting and warm-toned cabinets.

White Macaubas Quartzite

This quartzite variant resembles white Italian marble with an ethereal white background and faint grey veins. This delicate look is ideal for a contemporary, minimalist kitchen with stainless steel fixtures and recessed LED lights.

Perla Venata quartzite

With its distinct silvery-beige backdrop, the creamy-polished natural quartzite is an excellent choice for installing textured worktops in rustic or industrial kitchens. The warm beige veins enhance the dramatic effect, which you can complement the other elements, such as black metal pendant lights and other accessories.

Blue Macaubas Quartzite

Its clean white background and brilliant blue veins, the blue Macaubas quartzite imparts a modern, designer look. Construct a beautiful quartzite kitchen island flanked by solid blue cabinets and statement lighting fixtures such as geometric chandeliers.

Outlining the Benefits of Quartzite Worktops

Apart from the natural visual appeal, non-toxic composition, and eco-friendly benefits of quartzite worktops as highlighted above, the benefits of quartzite kitchen worktops can be outlined as follows:

Hardwearing- Quartzite is more robust than granite, with a Moh scale reading of 7 to 8. Hence, quartzite worktops are physically resistant and cannot easily be cracked, scratched, chipped, or dented.

Heat Resistance- Quartzite is naturally impervious to high temperatures, thus making it apt for kitchen usage.

Easy to Clean- Any neutral pH stone cleaner with water can keep quartzite surfaces clean.

Simple Maintenance- Sealing is necessary every six months to 1 year to ensure a non-porous, non-reactive, and hygienic surface. Apart from this, there are no special maintenance requirements.
Value for Money- Like marble, quartzite worktops will fetch an attractive resale price in the event of a house sale.

Conclusion

Quartzite is an excellent countertop choice for building a new kitchen or remodelling an existing one. It is environment-friendly and available in several elegant colours and designs. Furthermore, since this natural stone is incredibly durable and heat resistant, it seamlessly combines the low-maintenance benefits of granite with the enchanting beauty of marble. Overall, it is an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners with discerning tastes.

Author:

Alan Nussbaum

Meet Alan Nussbaum, our Sales and Marketing Manager, whose expertise in stone worktops is second to none. With almost two decades of experience, Alan’s impressive track record includes creating one of the first online stone companies in 2012 and pioneering the acceptance of cryptocurrencies in construction in 2018 before co-founding The Worktop Library with Maria.
Alan’s outstanding work is featured in numerous Stone and Home Decor magazines. In addition, he collaborates with the industry’s leading stone brands, cementing his reputation as a true innovator.
Before starting a thriving career in the stone industry, Alan honed his skills by overseeing luxury fashion brands such as Burberry, Matches Fashion, and Patrick Cox. With his unique blend of experience and expertise, Alan is a true trailblazer in the stone worktop industry. His passion for delivering exceptional service is evident in every aspect of his work.