Taj Mahal Quartzite: Technical Specification & Usage Guide

Taj Mahal Quartzite exists to solve a specific architectural paradox: Clients demand the soft aesthetics of marble but refuse to accept its chemical fragility. This material bridges that gap. It is geologically metamorphic—meaning it has ‘cooked’ long enough to resist acids that destroy marble. However, this high demand has birthed a market of imposters. This spec sheet focuses heavily on material verification to ensure you are specifying true Quartzite, not mislabeled Dolomite

Natural Quartzite | Brazil

1. Material Overview

Taj Mahal Quartzite is a premium natural quartzite characterized by soft beige, ivory, and light taupe tones with subtle linear movement.
Although often mistaken for marble, it is a geologically harder and more chemically resistant material.

It is widely specified as a marble alternative in applications where durability and lower maintenance are required without sacrificing elegance.

2. Recommended Applications (High Performance)

Suitable for:

  • Kitchen countertops and islands

  • Interior residential floors

  • Bathroom walls and floors (with appropriate finish)

  • Light commercial interiors

  • Feature walls and large-format slab applications

Typical use cases:

  • High-end residential kitchens

  • Luxury apartments and villas

  • Hospitality interiors requiring durability with a refined aesthetic

Taj Mahal Quartzite is a performance-driven design stone.

3. Surface Finishes

Recommended finishes:

  • Honed – preferred for countertops and floors

  • Satin / Soft-brushed – hides wear and daily use effectively

  • Leathered – optional, depending on texture preference

Finish guidance:

  • Honed and satin finishes balance elegance with practicality

  • Polished finish is acceptable indoors but increases glare and visible wear

4. Slip Rating (Indicative)

  • Honed: R9 – R10

  • Leathered / Satin: R10

Suitable for most interior floor applications when properly detailed.

Slip performance varies based on finish depth and maintenance condition.

5. Dimensional Tolerances

  • Tiles: ±1.0 mm

  • Slabs: ±2.0 mm

Quartzite allows for tighter tolerances compared to softer sedimentary stones.

6. Recommended Adhesive & Installation

Adhesive:

  • High-performance flexible cement-based adhesive

  • Classification: C2TE S1 / C2TE S2 (EN 12004)

Installation notes:

  • Full adhesive coverage is mandatory

  • Back-buttering strongly recommended, especially for slabs

  • Use white or light-colored adhesive to avoid shadowing

  • Respect movement joints and substrate deflection limits

7. Maintenance & Aging Behavior

Taj Mahal Quartzite offers excellent resistance to daily wear.

Expected behavior:

  • Minimal etching from common kitchen acids

  • Low stain absorption when properly sealed

  • Uniform aging without patchy surface degradation

Compared to marble, maintenance requirements are significantly reduced, though sealing is still recommended.

8. Critical Warning: The Imposter Risk (Mislabeled Stone)

Taj Mahal Quartzite should not be specified for:

  • Polished outdoor floors

  • Exterior applications without textured finish

  • Ultra-thin applications without proper substrate support

  • Installations where stone verification has not been performed
    (mislabeling as marble exists in the market)

Material verification is essential.

9. Specification Notes (For Project Documents)

  • Specify honed or satin finish for most applications

  • Confirm material as true quartzite via absorption and scratch testing

  • State slab thickness and reinforcement requirements

  • Include sealing requirements in maintenance documentation

10. Stone Moods Professional Note

Taj Mahal Quartzite exists to solve a problem:

Clients want marble aesthetics without marble consequences.

When verified and specified correctly, it delivers one of the best balances between beauty, durability, and long-term usability available in natural stone.

It is not indestructible — but it is forgiving.

Stone Moods
Independent Editorial · Performance-Driven
Written for architects, designers, and serious buyers.

Download Technical Spec Sheet (PDF)

“Includes the mandatory ‘Scratch & Acid Test’ protocol to verify slab authenticity before fabrication.”

Need a specific stone performance review? Ask our editorial team.