Is Quartzite Harder Than Granite?

Indeed, quartzite is harder than granite, with a Mohs Hardness Scale rating of about 7, whereas granite rates between 6 and 6.5. This indicates that quartzite is somewhat more resistant to scratching and chipping than granite.  

What Is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock formed when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes high heat and pressure. This process fuses the quartz grains together, creating a stone that is extremely hard and resistant to scratches.

• Composition: Mostly quartz (about 90–99%).

• Color range: White, gray, beige, pink, blue, green, and more depending on minerals.

• Pattern: Veins or swirling patterns, often resembling marble but with greater durability.

• Hardness: Extremely hard, scoring 7+ on the Mohs scale (compared to granite’s 6–7).

Quartzite is ideal for homeowners who want marble-like elegance with granite-like strength.

What Is Granite?

Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooled magma. It’s composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a speckled appearance and incredible durability.

• Composition: Quartz (20–60%), feldspar, mica, and other minerals.

• Color range: Gray, white, black, red, green, and multicolor varieties.

• Pattern: Speckled or granular.

• Hardness: 6–7 on the Mohs scale.

Granite has been a staple for countertops and flooring for decades due to its toughness and versatility.

Comparing Hardness: Quartzite vs Granite

Mohs Hardness Scale

• Quartzite: 7+

• Granite: 6–7

This means that quartzite is generally harder than granite, making it more resistant to scratching and etching. Quartzite’s hardness comes from its high quartz content, while

granite’s mixture of quartz and feldspar makes it slightly softer in comparison.

Scratch Resistance

• Quartzite resists scratches from knives, keys, and other household items better than granite.

• Granite is durable but may show minor scratches over time, especially lighter-colored varieties.

Heat Resistance

Both quartzite and granite are highly heat-resistant, but quartzite’s denser structure gives it a slight edge in withstanding hot pans and cookware.

Durability Summary

Property	Quartzite	Granite
Hardness	7+	6–7
Scratch Resistance	Excellent	Very good
Heat Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Stain Resistance	Moderate (requires sealing)	Good (requires sealing)
Longevity	50+ years	50+ years

Appearance: How They Differ

Quartzite

• Often resembles marble with soft veins and swirls.

• Colors: White, gray, blue, green, pink.

• Pattern: Veining is more fluid and continuous.

Granite

• Speckled appearance with distinct mineral crystals.

• Colors: Wide variety, including reds, blacks, whites, greens, blues.

• Pattern: Granular or spotted.

Design Tip: Quartzite is preferred if you want a marble-like look but need durability, whereas granite is ideal for speckled, classic surfaces.

Applications of Quartzite and Granite

Quartzite Applications

• Kitchen countertops

• Bathroom vanities

• Flooring

• Fireplace surrounds

• Outdoor kitchens (with proper sealing)

Granite Applications

• Kitchen countertops

• Bathroom vanities

• Flooring

• Backsplashes

• Exterior cladding

Key Difference: Quartzite can handle heavier traffic and harder use slightly better due to its increased hardness.

Pros and Cons

Quartzite Pros

• Extremely hard and scratch-resistant

• Heat-resistant

• Marble-like aesthetic with durability

• Long lifespan (50+ years)

Quartzite Cons

• Higher cost than most granite varieties

• Requires sealing to prevent staining

• Limited availability in some regions

Granite Pros

• Durable and widely available

• Affordable and versatile

• Low maintenance with periodic sealing

• Wide color and pattern variety

Granite Cons

• Slightly softer than quartzite

• Can be etched by acidic substances if unsealed

• Lighter shades may show scratches more easily

Cost Comparison in 2025

Stone	Average Cost (Installed)	Notes
Quartzite	$70–$120 per sq ft	Premium stone, imported varieties cost more
Granite	$40–$80 per sq ft	Local and common varieties are cheaper

Quartzite’s higher cost is due to its rarity, quarrying challenges, and high demand.

Maintenance and Care

Quartzite

• Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid acidic cleaners.

• Seal every 1–2 years to prevent staining.

• Use trivets and cutting boards to protect surfaces.

Granite

• Clean with mild soap and water.

• Seal every 1–2 years depending on porosity.

• Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain finish.

Tip: Both stones are durable, but quartzite’s superior hardness makes it less prone to scratching and chipping.

Design Inspiration

Kitchen Countertops

• Quartzite: White or gray veined slabs pair beautifully with modern cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.

• Granite: Speckled black or brown granite works well with traditional or rustic kitchens.

Bathroom Vanities

• Quartzite: Perfect for spa-like, elegant bathrooms.

• Granite: Works in classic or contemporary bathrooms with a speckled texture.

Flooring

• Quartzite: Ideal for high-traffic hallways due to hardness.

• Granite: Durable and low-maintenance for kitchens and entryways.

FAQs

1. Is quartzite harder than granite?

Yes, quartzite is generally harder than granite due to its high quartz content.

2. Can quartzite scratch easily?

No, quartzite is extremely scratch-resistant. Granite is slightly less resistant.

3. Do both stones need sealing?

Yes, sealing protects against stains and enhances longevity.

4. Which is better for kitchen countertops?

Quartzite for durability and marble-like elegance; granite for classic, speckled appearance at lower cost.

5. Can they be used outdoors?

Yes, but quartzite requires proper sealing and granite is also suitable for patios and exterior cladding.

Final Thoughts

So, is quartzite harder than granite? The answer is yes. Quartzite is naturally harder, more scratch-resistant, and slightly more heat-resistant, making it ideal for homeowners who want marble-like beauty without sacrificing durability.

Granite remains a classic, versatile, and affordable option with a wide variety of colors and patterns. The choice ultimately depends on budget, aesthetic preference, and intended use.

Whether you choose quartzite or granite, both stones offer durability, elegance, and long-term value for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and outdoor spaces.