We’ve seen an increase in the popularity of quartzite in recent years. This beautiful natural stone is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities fireplace surrounds and other applications. In addition to its beautiful looks and colors, it is durable, easy to clean and etch resistant.
But where, you might wonder, does quartzite come from?
Quartzite is a dense, durable metamorphic rock that forms naturally in the Earth. It begins as sandstone which is subjected to intense heat and pressure within the Earth for millennia. The heat and pressure over time make it into a very hard, natural stone.
Though typically white, cream or light grey, quartzite can take on colors from minerals that are embedded in the rock. These mineral impurities are what creates the beautiful colors you find in quartzite slabs:
Pinks and Reds
Quartzite with pink or red hues are likely to contain iron oxide which, depending on the quantity of the mineral, can range from soft pink to deep, dramatic red.
Green
Green tones are usually the result of the presence of chlorite in the stone. You’ll find shades of green from soft sage to rich emerald greens and everything in between.
Blues and Greys
Mica or graphite in the stone will create the dynamic grey tones and the dramatic blue patterns you can find in many quartzite slabs.
Where the stone is quarried – and therefore what minerals are present – is part of what determines the colors that are present in individual quarries. Brazil, for example produces a diverse spectrum of quartzite colors including white, blue and gold. It is especially known for the popular and beautiful Taj Mahal quartzite. India is known for varieties like Mystique White and several kinds of silver quartzite.
Quartzite is found in pockets all over the globe. Some areas are part of the scenery like the top of Mount Errigal (one of the “Seven Sisters”) in County Donegal, Ireland; but other pockets are more abundant and mined for slabs that are shipped around the world. Brazil, known for its colorful quartzite, is home to many well-known quarries. India is also a large producer of quartzite slabs. Quartzite is also mined in the US (South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Utah and Texas), Canada (Ontario and Nova Scotia), Italy, Sweden, Angola and Norway.
At Boston Granite Exchange we have relationships with many of the quarries extracting the finest quartzite slabs from around the world. We receive inventory almost daily including many types and colors of quartzite. Recent quartzite arrivals include Mykonos, Cobalt Blue, White Lux, Belverdere and Blue Mediterraneo.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation or other home project and have considered quartzite, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Haverhill or West Bridgewater, MA to see – in person – the many different and beautiful designs available.
We look forward to seeing you.