What’s the best stone for your countertops?

In this post, we will guide you on how to choose the best stone for your countertops, in terms of durability, appearance, and more!

Stone countertops have been popular for a long time, due to their beauty and elegance. With so many options of stone countertops on the market, however, it can be tough to choose the right one.

Choosing the wrong surface could put your countertop at risk of damage. That’s why, in this post, we’ll talk about some types of countertops and the purposes they are best suited for.

Types of stone for countertops

Quartzite

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone rich in quartz gets subjected to a process known as metamorphism. It is very hard, reaching level 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it more resistant to scratches.

A great aspect of quartzite is the great range of looks, colors, and styles they come in. If you are looking for a luxurious look on a budget, quartzite is a great option! It can even be found in some styles that look very similar to marble.

However, quartzite is a porous stone, meaning you will have to get it resealed up to twice a year. If the stone is not properly sealed, there is a chance it will collect stains from substances such as wine, olive oil, ketchup, vinegar, and others.

Quartzite Countertops. Source: Unsplash

Some types of quartzite are:

Alice White Quartzite.
Arctic Sky Quartzite.
Azul Macaubas Quartzite.
Blanco Shadow Quartzite.
Blue Lagoon Quartzite.
Canyon Dawn Quartzite.
Elegant Brown Quartzite.
Fantasy Brown Quartzite.

Quartzite. Source: Pixabay

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock, formed naturally deep in the Earth’s crust, where extreme pressure and temperatures cause small particles of quartz and feldspar to fuse together. It has a flecked pattern, thanks to the quartz crystals in it, so the more flecking a granite slab has, the more quartz in its composition.

Granite has been the go-to choice for designers and builders for a long time, because of its durability and beauty. It used to be a luxury item, but because it became so popular, the prices decreased significantly. The supplies for granite slabs have increased, which has also helped moderate the prices. Although it has become more common, granite countertops still add elegance and luxury, and can definitely elevate a kitchen or bathroom design. First stone offers a big range of colors and looks for granite, which allows it to complement virtually every kitchen and bathroom design.

Granite is very hard, which makes it resistant to chips, cracks, and most damage. However, to make it safe to prepare food on your countertop, it is recommended to reseal the granite at least once a year, to prevent any stains.

Granite Countertops. Source: Unsplash

Some types of granite are:

Santa (St.) Cecilia granite
Uba Tuba granite.
Kashmir White granite.
Venetian Gold granite.
Giallo Ornamental granite.
Tan Brown granite.
Baltic Brown granite.
Black Pearl granite.

Granite Countertops. Source: Pixabay

Marble

Marble is, undeniably, the top choice for a premium design. It has been a symbol of elegance for centuries, from Greek sculptures to modern luxury buildings. Because of that, most people naturally associate marble with fortune.

Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed of limestone or dolomite when subjected to extreme pressure in the Earth’s crust. Because of the presence of impurities, marble forms in a wide variety of colors and styles, which makes it so desirable as a design element.

However, despite its popularity, marble is not as durable as the other options of stone. It is porous, making it non-resistant to stains if it is not regularly treated with sealant. It is also not as hard as granite, quartz, or quartzite, which means it is more susceptible to scratches, chips, or cracks. If you want to have marble countertops, you have to be willing to pay for regular maintenance, as well as taking good care of them, not placing hot pans on top of them, and cleaning them with neutral pH products. It is a more expensive stone to buy, install and maintain, and needs resealing at least twice a year.

Marble Countertops. Source: Unsplash

Some types of marble are:

Calcutta Marble
Talathello or Silver-Beige Marble
Emperador Marble
Carrara Marble
White Marble
Black Marble
Statuary Marble
Red Marble
Green Marble

Marble Countertops. Source: Unsplash

Quartz

The quartz stone used for countertops is an engineered stone, made of more than 90% natural quartz, which comes in loose particles that are stuck together with resin, and sometimes pigments are added to enhance the natural look of the stone. It is harder and more flexible than Quartzite, which makes it very resistant to pretty much any damage, such as scratching, chipping, and cracking. Its surface is non-porous, so it is also stain-proof and needs no sealing. Quartz stone can be cleaned normally and requires minimal maintenance. The only aspect of quartz that is beaten up by other stones is heat resistance because high temperatures could melt the resin and damage the slab. Because of that, you should be careful managing hot pans and pots on top of a quartz countertop.

There are many options of styles and colors for quartz. The available designs include surfaces that resemble a variety of materials, including natural stones like marble or granite. Although they are usually white, quartz countertops are available in a great variety of colors and cost about the same as quartzite. To sum it up, by using quartz, you get a surface that looks very similar to natural stone but with bigger durability and lower costs in the long run.

Quartz Countertops. Source: Unsplash

Some colors and styles of quartz stones are:

Arctic White Quartz
Babylon Grey Quartz
Calacatta Classique Quartz
Calacatta Lago Quartz
Calacatta Laza Quartz
Cascade White Quartz
Grey Lagoon Quartz
Pacific Salt Quartz
Pearl Grey Quartz
Sparkling White Quartz

Quartz countertops. Source: Pixabay

So what is the best stone for your countertops?

You should consider, at first, the main uses for your countertops and relate them to the properties of each of the stones mentioned.

For example, if the stone will be in contact with water frequently, you should choose a non-porous stone, such as quartz.

If you cook a lot and have to place hot utensils like pots or pans on top of the counter, you should go for a heat-resistant stone, like quartzite or granite.

If the main purpose of the countertops is decoration, you should choose a stone like marble, or some type of quartz that resembles marble.

There is really no right answer, but the winner in terms of resistance, porosity, and maintenance is quartz. And since it comes in so many colors and styles, you can basically match quartz with every kind of kitchen design you have.

While this article attempts to focus on a few of the most durable, popular, or stylish surfaces, what’s best for your kitchen or bath will inevitably depend upon your individual needs and tastes, so you should definitely take some time to look at different stones.

First Stone features a great range of different natural and engineered stone slabs. Plus, our staff is very qualified to guide you into making the best choice for your ideal project. We are the best place in New England to shop for custom-made countertops, and we will make a custom layout for your project at absolutely no cost. Book an appointment and come visit our showroom! We will be happy to tell you more about each type of stone, its main aspects, and its uses!

If you have any other questions, leave a comment below!