Today, Cosmos SurfacesTM is here to share our guide on how to clean quartzite. This beautiful natural stone is easy to clean, but there are a few easy things to remember if you want to maintain it safely and properly.
First of All, What is Quartzite?
Quartzite (not to be confused with quartz – check out our article on quartz vs. quartzite), comes from the fusion of sandstone with quartz crystals at incredibly high levels of heat and pressure. The resulting stone has the durability and hardness of granite, combined with the exotic beauty of marble.
Quartzite is twice as hard as glass and harder than the blade of a knife – it’s just about indestructible! These properties make it an excellent choice for surfaces that are subject to everyday wear and tear, such as kitchen countertops. In fact, quartzite is so strong that you shouldn’t use it as a cutting board – not to protect the quartzite itself, but to protect your knives from dulling.
Before You Clean It…
Because quartzites are formed naturally, some are more porous than others (stay in the loop to learn more about quartzites and absorption). When it comes to maintaining natural stone surfaces, the porosity of a stone plays a significant part in its level of stain-resistance, as well as the amount of maintenance required to care for it. A porous stone is more prone to soaking up liquids and staining. The porosity of quartzite depends on the amount of metamorphosis the stone undergoes as it is formed. The higher the levels of heat, pressure and metamorphosis during formation, the less porous the resulting quartzite will be.
To solve the problem of porosity, natural stone surfaces are sealed, which makes cleaning them quite easy and straightforward.
Seal It!
Most fabricators will apply a sealant before installation and explain any additional sealing that needs to happen over the life of the quartzite. In general, depending on the sealer, quartzite needs to be sealed at least once every 10 years. A tell-tale sign that it’s time to seal or re-seal a quartzite countertop is when the surface gets darker around wet areas, like sinks. If you are uncertain, you can test its porosity yourself by leaving a small amount of hot water on the surface for roughly 20 minutes, then wiping it away. If a darkened spot remains, your surface is soaking up liquid and could likely benefit from a sealant. Sealing a quartzite surface is the key to easy maintenance and a simple cleaning approach. Be sure to follow the instructions for your specific sealer. In general:
- Clean and thoroughly dry the surface
- Ensure the area is well ventilated
- Wait for the cure time before using the surface again
That’s it! Now you’re ready to keep your sealed quartzite clean.
How to Clean Quartzite
Once quartzite is properly sealed, there isn’t much else involved in cleaning it! You can use a cloth, microfiber cloth or the soft side of a sponge. Use clean water and a mild, neutral cleaner that is suited for stone surfaces. The following habits will go a long way in caring for quartzite:
- Clean spills right away, especially acidic spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, etc.) and food coloring agents (turmeric, food dyes, etc.)
- Use cutting boards, trivets and cooling racks
- Keep the surface area dry (around sinks, under dishes, etc.)
Do NOT use heavy-duty scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, or bleach on quartzite or any other natural stone.
Stubborn Stain Pro-tip: Make a Poultice
Quartzite is stain-resistant if you wipe substances up promptly. However, all natural stones can stain if something is left to “soak in” for too long. If you’re struggling with a stain that just won’t come out, you can try making a poultice by combining baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread this paste over the stain and cover it with plastic wrap for up to two days, then wipe the area clean. Repeat the process if necessary!
A Note on True Quartzite
Due to similarities in appearance and some properties, it’s possible for stone to be mislabeled as quartzite, or “soft quartzite,” when it’s actually an intermediate quartzite, sandstone, marble, or dolomitic marble. True quartzite is incredibly strong, does not etch and cannot easily be scratched by a knife blade. It’s wise to double check with your supplier to ensure you are getting true quartzite.
Quartzite is a truly gorgeous surface material. While most quartzites are white or light in color due to their quartz mineral content, additional minerals in the stone can produce vividly colored varieties.
If you have questions about quartzite or if you are looking for quartzite suppliers, we’d love to hear from you! Cosmos SurfacesTM brings over three decades of knowledge and industry experience to the table. As a 2nd generation family-owned business, we are passionate about sourcing high-quality surfaces for homes and businesses. Get in touch by filling out our contact form today – our team of experts is happy to help!
Color of the Month: Ultramarine Green
This month’s featured trending color is Pantone 18-5338, Ultramarine Green! The Pantone Color Trend Report says, “Ultramarine Green, a deep cooling blue-green, exudes self-assurance and poise.”
Alexandrita Quartzite is a type of light green quartzite; a beautiful, tranquil stone that is perfect for countertops, floors, wall applications, backsplashes, and more. The soft hues of green, ivory, and peach create a calming effect, reminiscent of sand and sea foam. Quartzite is resistant to scratching, staining, and fading, and the beauty is unmatched. Call your nearest location and see this beautiful green quartzite for yourself!
