Quartzite vs Granite Countertops: Which Natural Stone Is Right for Your Vancouver Kitchen?
Quick answer: Quartzite and granite are both 100% natural stone, and both are excellent, hard-wearing countertops. Quartzite is generally harder (Mohs 7–8 vs granite’s 6–7), tends to deliver a brighter, marble-like look, and usually costs more. Granite offers more colour and pattern variety, broad availability, and often a friendlier price. If you want a light, airy, marble-look surface that still shrugs off knives and hot pans, lean quartzite; if you want maximum colour choice and value in a tough natural stone, lean granite. Neither is a “loser” — it comes down to the look you want and your budget.
At Alpine Countertops, we fabricate both materials every week in our Richmond shop for kitchens across Metro Vancouver. Homeowners often arrive thinking quartzite and granite are interchangeable, or confuse quartzite with engineered quartz entirely. They’re not the same. This guide breaks down the real, hands-on differences so you can choose with confidence.
Last updated: June 2026
Quartzite vs granite at a glance
Here’s the side-by-side comparison we walk clients through in our showroom. The cost figures are typical Metro Vancouver installed ranges; exotic/premium slabs and complex fabrication run higher — request a quote. Your real number depends on slab, layout, and edge (see our quartzite cost guide and full countertop cost comparison).
| Dimension | Quartzite | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Natural metamorphic stone (recrystallized sandstone, mostly quartz) | Natural igneous stone (quartz, feldspar, mica and more) |
| Look | Often light, airy, marble-like veining (whites, greys, soft blues) | Huge range — speckled, flecked, dramatic movement, bold colours |
| Hardness (Mohs) | ~7–8 — one of the hardest countertop stones | ~6–7 — very hard, slightly below quartzite |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent; knife edges won’t scratch true quartzite | Excellent; highly scratch-resistant |
| Heat resistance | Highly heat-resistant — tolerates hot cookware set briefly on the surface (trivets still recommended) | Highly heat-resistant — tolerates hot cookware set briefly on the surface (trivets still recommended) |
| Stain resistance | Good when sealed; benefits from periodic sealing | Good when sealed; benefits from periodic sealing |
| Maintenance | Seal periodically; wipe with mild soap & water | Seal periodically; wipe with mild soap & water |
| Cost (installed, typical Metro Van) | Higher — roughly $110–$180/sq ft (rare exotics, e.g. vivid blue, run higher) | Lower — roughly $60–$110/sq ft (rare exotic imports climb higher) |
| Best for | Light marble-look kitchens, busy cooks who want toughness | Maximum colour choice, bold patterns, value-focused buyers |
What is the difference between quartzite and granite?
Both are natural stone quarried from the earth, but they form differently. Quartzite starts as sandstone that’s buried, heated and compressed deep underground until the quartz grains recrystallize into a dense, interlocking mass. The result is a stone that’s predominantly quartz — very hard and, in true quartzite, highly resistant to acids and scratching.
Granite is an igneous rock that cooled slowly from molten material, producing the speckled blend of quartz, feldspar, mica and other minerals you see in the slab. That mineral mix is why granite comes in such an enormous range of colours and patterns, from near-black to vivid golds, blues and reds.
One important note we always make with clients: quartzite is not the same as engineered quartz (brand names like Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone). Quartz countertops are engineered from ground/crushed stone (predominantly quartz) bound with polymer resin and pigments. Quartzite is solid natural stone. If you’re weighing those, read our quartzite vs quartz guide.
Which is more durable, quartzite or granite?
Both are among the toughest surfaces you can put in a kitchen, so this is splitting hairs — but quartzite edges ahead on raw hardness. Quartzite typically rates around 7 to 8 on the Mohs scale, while granite sits around 6 to 7. In practice, that means:
- Scratching: Neither will scratch from normal use. You shouldn’t cut directly on either (it dulls knives and isn’t hygienic), but true quartzite is exceptionally scratch-resistant.
- Chipping: Both resist chipping well. Granite’s coarser mineral structure can occasionally chip at an unsupported edge; quartzite’s dense, interlocking grains are very robust.
- Heat: Quartzite and granite are both highly heat-resistant and tolerate hot cookware set briefly on the surface — far better than engineered quartz, whose polymer-resin binder can scorch. We still recommend trivets on any stone as good practice.
A real-world caveat from the shop floor: some slabs sold as “quartzite” are actually a softer stone — commonly dolomitic marble (or marble) — which etches. There is no such thing as “soft quartzite.” True quartzite won’t etch from lemon juice or vinegar; a mislabeled softer stone will. The acid spot test is definitive: true quartzite shows zero etching. We test and source carefully so you get what you pay for — ask us how we verify a slab.
How do quartzite and granite compare on looks?
This is usually the deciding factor. Quartzite tends to read light and luminous, with flowing veins that mimic marble — whites, soft greys, warm beiges, and the sought-after blues and greens. If you love the look of Calacatta marble but want something tougher, quartzite is the classic answer.
Granite offers far more pattern and colour diversity. You can find calm, consistent granites and wildly dramatic ones with rivers of movement. For deep, saturated colours or a bold statement island, granite gives you options quartzite simply doesn’t.
Because both are natural, every slab is one of a kind. We always recommend selecting your actual slab in person — come see what’s on our racks in Richmond.
How do they compare on maintenance?
Maintenance is nearly identical. Both are natural stone, so both benefit from periodic sealing to resist staining, and both clean up with mild dish soap and water — skip acidic or abrasive cleaners.
- Sealing: Both granite and quartzite are very dense and typically need sealing only about every 1–2 years, depending on the specific stone and sealer. See our countertop sealing guide.
- Daily care: Wipe spills promptly, use cutting boards and trivets, and you’re set. Our granite care guide applies closely to quartzite as well.
Quartzite vs granite on cost
Granite is generally the more budget-friendly of the two — common colours are among the most affordable natural stone options in Metro Vancouver. Quartzite usually carries a premium — it’s harder to quarry and fabricate, and the most in-demand whites and blues command higher prices. Rare colours (think vivid blue quartzite) can cost several times more than a common one.
| Material | Typical installed range (Metro Van, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Granite | ~$60–$110/sq ft (rare exotic imports climb higher) |
| Quartzite | ~$110–$180/sq ft (rare exotics, e.g. vivid blue, exceed $200) |
These are typical Metro Vancouver planning ranges; exotic/premium slabs and complex fabrication run higher — request a quote. Edge profile, slab rarity, cutouts and layout all move the number. For a breakdown of what drives the price, see our quartzite cost guide, and to compare every material side by side, our Vancouver countertop cost comparison.
Which should you choose?
- Choose quartzite if you want a bright, marble-like surface with top-tier hardness and heat tolerance, and the premium fits your budget. Ideal for light, airy kitchens and serious home cooks.
- Choose granite if you want the widest range of colours and patterns, a bold or dark look, or excellent durability at a friendlier price.
- Either works beautifully for a busy family kitchen — both are highly heat-resistant, unlike engineered quartz, whose resin can scorch. The decision is mostly aesthetics and budget.
Still torn between natural stone and engineered options? Our complete countertop materials guide compares quartzite, granite, quartz, marble and porcelain in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartzite harder than granite?
Generally, yes. Quartzite typically rates about 7 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, while granite sits around 6 to 7. Both are very hard and excellent for kitchens; quartzite is marginally harder.
Does quartzite need to be sealed like granite?
Yes. Both are natural stone and benefit from periodic sealing to resist stains. Both are very dense, so sealing roughly every 1–2 years is typical, depending on the specific slab and sealer.
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Usually. Quartzite typically carries a premium over common granites because it’s harder to quarry and fabricate, and the most popular whites and blues are in high demand. Granite offers more budget-friendly options.
Can I put a hot pan on quartzite or granite?
Both natural stones are highly heat-resistant and tolerate hot cookware far better than engineered quartz, whose resin can scorch. Even so, we recommend using trivets on any countertop as good practice to protect the sealer and avoid thermal shock over time.
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. Quartzite is 100% natural stone; quartz countertops are engineered from ground stone and resin. They look and behave differently — see our quartzite vs quartz guide.
Compare slabs with Alpine Countertops
Alpine Countertops has fabricated natural stone for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since 2015, from our facility in Richmond (BBB A+). We’ll help you select a real slab, verify it’s true quartzite, and template, fabricate and install it. Call 604-630-5700 or email info@alpinecountertops.com for a quote, or contact us to book a showroom visit. Explore more in our granite countertops and Vancouver countertops pages.
Last updated: June 2026