ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRANITE
QUARTZITE & DOLOMITES
At Rocky Mountain Granite Inc., we offer an extensive selection of premium quartzite and dolomites slabs sourced from quarries all around the world. Our skilled craftsmen transform these slabs into exquisite countertops and other custom pieces, tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences with finishes from Glossy, Satin, Honed, Textured or Leathered.
QUARTZITE & DOLOMITES
Exploring the world of natural stone
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that originates from sandstone that has been subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. It's extracted from a quarry and formed into finished slabs that become kitchen countertops, as well as tiles for floors, walls, and backsplashes. This transformative process results in a stone that is incredibly durable, beautiful and versatile making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Quartzite is often compared to granite in terms of hardness and durability. The distinctive beauty of quartzite arises from the presence of quartz, a mineral renowned for its crystalline structure, lustrous shine and shimmering appearance.
QUARTZITE
A hard natural metamorphic rock made from quartz-rich sandstone.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a mineral that forms naturally when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to the high heat and pressure that exists beneath the Earth's crust. The result is a network of quartz grains that are far stronger than before, turning the sandstone into a metamorphic rock.
Strength of Quartzite
Quartzite hardness on the Mohs scale varies but generally sits between 7 and 7.5 with 10 being the hardness of a diamond. Quartzite doesn't chip easily due to its hardness, but can chip or shatter under extreme duress. Do not drop heavy objects onto your countertops.
Colors of Quartzite
Quartzite's color ranges between white and gray in its natural state. It can appear in various white, pink, black, red, blue, orange, brown, green, yellow or purple shades due to varying amounts of other minerals during its formation.
Translucent Quartzite
Quartzite sometimes naturally gains a slightly glassy finish. The rarity of naturally translucent quartzite is an extraordinary trait to embrace. Some people add a backlight to translucent quartzite for a dramatic, warm glow similar to stained glass windows.
Quartzite is UV Resistant
Quartzite can be used outdoors or in a room that gets a lot of direct sunlight. Quartzite will not fade. Quartzite is UV resistant, so just let the light shine in!
How To Care for Your Quartzite
While some quartzite has low porosity, it can vary depending on the amount of metamorphosis the material went through. Many modern sealants can protect your stone for two years, while others can last up to 10 years, and some even have stain removal warranties. Regardless of the Mohs scale of hardness of your countertops, never cut food directly on them.
Quarzite v.s. other stones
Quartzite and quartz share a similar appearance but are quite different materials. To tell the difference between the two, quickly scratch the material's surface. If a scratch is left behind, you have quartz. If no scratches appear, it's quartzite.
Quartzite
Naturally formed
Might require sealing, needs to be resealed more often
Resistant to etching, scratching, staining, porosity varies
Very durable
UV Resistant outdoors & indoors, does not fade
Mohs Scale between 7 & 7.5
Quartz
Man-made product combining mineral quartz with resins, polymers, and pigments.
Not resistant to etching or scratching
Easier to maintain
Doesn't require sealing
Resistant to staining, less porous
Very durable
Mohs Scale 7
Granite
Natural Rock
More involved maintenance
Requires Sealing but can go for a more extended period without needing to be resealed.
Less porous
Durable
Mohs Scale 6.5
Marble
Natural Rock
Doesn't require sealing
Resistant to staining, less porous
Not resistant to etching
Mohs Scale 3
Quartzite | Mont Blanc
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GLOSSY, SATIN, HONED, LEATHERED, TEXTURED
Quartzite | Illusion Blue
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GLOSSY, SATIN, HONED, LEATHERED, TEXTURED
Quartzite
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GLOSSY, SATIN, HONED, LEATHERED, TEXTURED