![]() ![]() Why doesn’t this problem occur with granite? Granites are formed via volcanic processes (igneous rocks) and are stable enough in slab form not to need impregnation of resins. ![]() Regardless, etching will occur if the stone isn’t a true quartzite. Note: Some dispute that there are resins in the stone. Resin ingredients literally vary by country and even quarry which makes it hard to track what ingredient in the resin reacts to acids on the countertop. While some suggest not all stones have been treated with resin, they seem to be outnumbered by stone experts saying that un-resined quartzite is next to impossible to buy. It’s dependent on the stone supplier (quarry) and what resin was used – some resins apparently don’t etch. Reading across multiple message boards, it seems that because the etching is resin-related, etching is not universal. The reflection should be squareĮtching is especially apparent on light/white colored stone, but the dulling appearance of etching will be visible on any colored quartzite. ![]() The trick is to know if you’re being lied to. Note: Most quartzite’s that etch are mislabeled. I can’t help wonder if this is one reason why quartzite has only recently become popular. Resins can turn these previously unsellable stones into marketable slabs. In the past, some stone slabs were rejected at the quarry because of brittleness. Resins are natural or synthetic compounds generally originating from tree or plant sap. The resins are used before it gets to the distributor/fabricator so it’s not a “local” treatment. Etching can also occur when cleaners that contain hydrofluoric acid are used. – aren’t wiped up immediately, you’re left with a ghosted etch mark. But when acidic liquids – wine, tomatoes, citrus, etc. ![]() There’s a high likelihood it’s been mislabeled which may lead to problems.įigure 2: Quartzite you’d swear was painted.Įtching: SOME Quartzite’s (and Onyx’s and Marble’s) Dirty SecretĪccording to the Marble Institute of America some quartzite etches because in slab preparation, resins are infused into the slab that enhance slab stability and make it shine. While some patterns are brilliantly crazy, it’s generally a more subtle stone group that definitely causes as much “WOW” for viewers as it does owner’s wallets.īut quartzite has a dirty little secret. I’ve seen quartz so perfectly colored, I’d swear it was fake. Quartzite’s appearance varies greatly but has distinct veining and can have a look anywhere from crisp solid coloring to very crystalline in appearance (like crushed ice). Quartzite is an all-natural stone mined the same way as marble and granite. There is manufactured quartz like Silestone and Caesarstone that take quartz aggregate and mix it with resin under extreme heat and pressure to form slabs. Quartz is a very hard and durable mineral that’s imprecisely used to describe two types of stone. It requires regular sealing to protect from stains, which is why it’s more often used in bathrooms versus kitchens. I think we all know that marble, especially the lighter colored varieties, can be fussy and prone to staining. Many would think durability, along with stone rarity, should increase with price. The minimum one expects from a countertop is durability. There are many options for countertops, ranging from bog-standard Formica and tile to stainless steel, slab glass, concrete, marble, granite, manufactured quartz and now natural quartzite. Figure 1: Author’s Anatardite Calcite, mislabeled as Quartzite from IMC This story has since been updated here, here and here. ![]()
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