Walk into any slab yard, and you will hear conflicting advice. “Granite is indestructible.” “Quartzite is just hard marble.” “Marble stains if you look at it wrong.” It is time to settle the debate with geological facts, not sales pitches. Here is the definitive breakdown of the “Big Three” natural stones.
1. Granite: The Survivor
Origin: Igneous rock formed from cooling magma deep underground.
The Science: Composed mainly of quartz and feldspar. It scores a 6-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Best For: High-traffic kitchens, outdoor barbecue areas, and messy cooks. It resists scratches, heat, and most acids (lemon juice won’t hurt it instantly).
2. Marble: The Beauty Queen
Origin: Metamorphic rock. It started as limestone and was transformed by heat and pressure.
The Science: Made of Calcite (Calcium Carbonate). Scores a 3-4 on the Mohs Scale.
The Catch: Calcite reacts with acid. Lemon, vinegar, and wine will “etch” (dull) the surface. This is not a defect; it’s chemistry.
Best For: Bathrooms, low-traffic areas, or for homeowners who embrace the “patina” of aging.
3. Quartzite: The Imposter
Origin: Sandstone that has been super-heated by tectonic activity.
The Science: It is pure quartz. It is actually harder than granite (Mohs 7-8). It looks like marble but acts like armor.
The Warning: Many stones sold as “Soft Quartzite” are actually marble. Always ask for a scratch test. If it scratches glass, it’s real quartzite.
The Verdict
Want indestructible? Go Granite.
Want romance and history? Go Marble.
Want marble looks with granite strength? Pay the premium for Quartzite.