Stone Science

Stone Materials & Finishes

Educate yourself on the composition, strengths, and design qualities of quartz, granite, and quartzite.

Quick Breakdown

Material Comparison Table

Property Quartz Granite Quartzite
Type Engineered (93% Quartz, 7% Resin) 100% Natural Igneous Rock 100% Natural Metamorphic Rock
Heat Resistance Moderate (Resins can scorch above 300°F) Excellent (Up to 1200°F / Direct heat safe) Excellent (Highly heat resistant)
Porosity & Sealing Non-porous (Never needs sealing) Non-porous naturally (No sealant needed) Porous naturally (Requires yearly sealing)
Scratch & Chip Resistance High (Flexible resin absorbs chips) Very High (Hard to scratch or chip) Extreme (Harder than glass or steel)
Acid Resistance Excellent (Stain & acid resistant) Excellent (Will not etch from acids) Varies (Pure quartzite is safe, calcites can etch)
Color & Pattern Range Endless custom color & marble styles Unique natural speckles, grains & veins Soft crystalline whites, grays & dramatic veins
Best Applications Bathrooms, modern kitchen tops, wall panels Kitchens, fireplace surrounds, outdoor bars High-end kitchen islands, features, bars
Visual Guide

Popular Edge Profiles

The edge profile changes the visual impact of your countertops and defines your kitchen's style.

Eased Edge

An eased edge is the most popular choice for modern and minimalist layouts. The top corner is slightly rounded off (typically a 1/8" radius) to remove sharp corners, making it safe and highly chip-resistant while retaining a sleek, straight square profile.

Longevity Tips

Stone Care & Maintenance

Keeping your custom stone countertops looking brand new is straightforward when you follow these core guidelines:

Daily Cleaning

Wipe surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild dishwashing soap mixed with warm water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or acidic sprays containing lemon or vinegar, which can dull finishes over time.

Managing Heat & Stains

Although granite and quartzite are highly heat-resistant, using trivets or hot pads is always recommended to protect the stone from thermal shock. For engineered quartz, hot pads are mandatory since resin binders can scorch above 300°F.

Sealing Natural Stone

Our custom granite countertops are highly non-porous naturally and do not require heavy sealants. Quartzite countertops are naturally porous and we apply a high-grade sealer during installation. We recommend testing your quartzite yearly with a drop of water—if it absorbs, it is time to reapply a simple wipe-on sealer.

Calcatta Black Slab Detail