Nature's Most Dramatic Stone
Quartzite
Quartzite is the stone world's best-kept secret — it has the breathtaking visual drama of marble and the structural strength of granite. Formed when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones on Earth.
Origin
Brazil, Norway, India, USA
Hardness (Mohs)
7–8
Porosity
Low–Medium
Finishes
Polished, Honed, Leathered, Brushed
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. This process fuses the individual sand grains into a dense, interlocking mosaic of quartz crystals — creating one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available.
What makes quartzite extraordinary is its visual range. Brazilian quartzite in particular produces some of the most dramatic colour combinations found in nature — from the electric blues of Azul Macaubas to the fiery golds of Fusion, the soft whites of Calacatta Macaubas to the deep greens of Emerald.
It's important to distinguish true quartzite from quartzite-labelled marble. Genuine quartzite will not etch when exposed to acid — a simple lemon juice test will confirm authenticity. At Melbourne Natural Stone, every slab we stock is verified and accurately described.
Applications
Kitchen Benchtops
Quartzite offers the marble aesthetic that designers love with the durability that kitchens demand. Its hardness resists scratching and its lower porosity (compared to marble) makes it more forgiving of everyday kitchen use.
Feature Walls & Splashbacks
The dramatic veining and colour movement of quartzite makes it the ultimate feature wall material. A single bookmatched quartzite panel behind a kitchen island or fireplace becomes the defining element of an entire room.
Bathroom Feature Walls
Quartzite's natural water resistance and visual drama make it perfect for bathroom feature walls and shower niches. The leathered finish adds tactile texture that elevates the sensory experience of the space.
Flooring
Quartzite's exceptional hardness makes it one of the best natural stone flooring options available. It resists scratching from foot traffic and furniture, and its natural variation means wear marks are virtually invisible.
Varieties We Stock
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Brazil
Azul Macaubas
Extraordinary blue-grey tones with dramatic white and silver veining. One of the rarest and most sought-after quartzites in the world.
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Brazil
Fusion
Explosive movement of gold, copper, grey, and white. Every slab is completely unique — no two pieces of Fusion quartzite are ever the same.
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Brazil
Calacatta Macaubas
Soft white background with delicate grey and gold veining. Offers the Calacatta marble look with significantly greater durability.
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Brazil
Sea Pearl
Soft grey-white background with flowing silver and white veining. A refined, elegant quartzite that works beautifully in both contemporary and classic interiors.
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Brazil
White Macaubas
Clean white background with subtle grey veining. The most understated of the Brazilian quartzites — perfect for those who want natural stone without visual drama.
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Brazil
Taj Mahal
Warm cream and white tones with soft gold veining. Named for its resemblance to the famous monument, Taj Mahal quartzite is one of the most popular stones in luxury residential design.
Caring for Quartzite
Seal regularly
Unlike granite, quartzite has slightly higher porosity and benefits from sealing every 6–12 months depending on use. Use a quality penetrating stone sealer.
Use pH-neutral cleaners
Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid acidic products — while quartzite resists etching better than marble, prolonged acid exposure can affect the surface.
Protect from impact
Quartzite is very hard but can chip at edges if struck sharply. Use edge profiles that minimise exposed corners and handle with care during installation.
Verify authenticity
If you're unsure whether your stone is true quartzite, apply a few drops of lemon juice to an inconspicuous area. True quartzite will not etch; marble will show a dull mark within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to use Quartzite in your project?
Visit our Mulgrave showroom at 71 Roberts Avenue to view our full slab selection, or contact us to book a consultation.