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Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone rich in quartz gets subjected to a process known as metamorphism. Quartzite is a very hard substance, which makes it resistant to scratches. While looks are subjective, quartzite is also generally considered aesthetically pleasing, but it should not be confused with Quartz that is engineered stone (described below).

However, quartzite is also porous. As a result, you need to seal it as often as twice yearly, which is a costly inconvenience. If you don’t reseal the surface, it will collect stains. 

Marble is another metamorphic rock. Its stellar good looks have made it a popular luxury building material for centuries. It comes with some significant downsides, though.  

To summarize, marble is expensive both upfront and in the long run. Cheaper variants may contain imperfections such as veining that doesn’t line up. As with most types of natural stone, you also need to reseal marble regularly to prevent stains.

Regardless of how well you care for a marble countertop, it will develop a patina over time. Marble is highly absorbent, with one common discoloring factor being the oils on your skin. Depending on how the surface ages, this patina may be uneven. Because of this, if you want a countertop that will look as good as new for the long haul, marble is likely not for you.

Granite countertops were all the rage not that long ago. They were the go-to surfaces for people designing luxury kitchens. This is no longer the case, for many reasons, but here's a quick summary. 

Because granite was so desirable over a period of several decades, it became commonplace. The stone’s limited aesthetic options caused it to eventually fall out of favor with designers and homeowners looking to create unique kitchens. When you combine this with granite’s need for frequent resealing, it’s not hard to see why consumers have moved on.

Soapstone is yet another type of metamorphic rock, this time composed primarily of talc. It sets itself apart from other types of natural stone in a few ways, one of which is its nonporous nature. This makes it less likely to stain, so you don’t need to seal soapstone regularly but rather just apply oil to it.

Soapstone is very soft, however. This makes it more susceptible to scratches, dents, and chips. You also don’t have a whole lot of options when it comes to colors and patterns. With soapstone, you’re limited to shades of white and black.

Let’s look at why quartz, also known as engineered stone, is the best option.

Natural stone kitchen countertops cost you both upfront and over the long haul due to their high maintenance requirements. Engineered stone kitchen countertops, on the other hand, require minimal maintenance. The surface is nonporous, which means that quartz countertops never need sealing and can easily last a lifetime with normal cleaning.

What really seals the deal for quartz is the wide range of aesthetic options that it offers. Caesarstone surfaces are made using a combination of loose quartz, resins, and pigments. Our designers are able to formulate these elements to produce surfaces that resemble a variety of materials, including natural stones like marble.

This is a key consideration to keep in mind when choosing between quartz and natural stone. With quartz, you get a surface that looks very similar to natural stone but is more durable and cost-effective in the long run.

We are happy to discuss your particular project needs and assist you selecting the best product for it.