Differences between quartz, quartzite and limestone

While they’re often confused, in fact limestone, quartz and quartzite are all distinct natural materials. Here, we take a look at these stones and the differences between them.

Quartz is an engineered, man-made product manufactured in factories, combining resin, quartz and pigment in its make-up. When you combine ground quartz, resin and pigments to create this stone, you enjoy a long-lasting premium product that looks stunning. What’s more, it’s available in myriad styles and designs. Upkeep is straightforward, plus there’s excellent resistance to heat, staining and scratches.

For its part, quartzite is a natural stone. Its formation is completely organic, and it forms from sandstone deep within the earth. You need to extract it by quarrying, typically removing it in blocks. Its colours usually encompass white and greys.

Generally speaking, quartz is cheaper than quartzite, while the latter offers greater heat resistance. It also offers incredible strength, hardness and density.

Equally, quartzite is similar to marble in terms of veining and colour palate. However, it has a far better resistance to the types of chemicals we use in our homes every day.

These stones are not fully porous, and you can use them in just about any application. (But if you decide to go for a honed finish, you will need to seal your stone.)

ain, there’s impressive heat resistance – alongside a textural richness. So you can place hot pots and pans straight on to the surface without causing immediate damage.

In interior design, limestone has multiple applications, from kitchen worktops to shower trays, backsplashes and fireplace surrounds.

Worktops in limestone could lend your kitchen a unique beauty more cost-effectively than some of the alternatives. However, you should bear in mind that this material is also quite soft and porous, so that so it sometimes need a little more TLC and can be more prone to staining and scratching. On the other hand, it’s this porosity which gives limestone its unqiue texture.

Royal Stone Care is based in London and covers the whole city and beyond. We’re experts in limestone maintenance, cleaning and restoration in London, while also being able to do the same if you have quartz or quartzite in London for your home or business.

Contact us today to learn more about what we could do for the limestone features in your property.