Marble vs Quartzite: A Designer’s Guide to Premium Surfaces
When it comes to choosing a luxurious and long-lasting surface for your next interior project, two materials often top the list: marble and quartzite. Both are celebrated for their natural beauty, versatility, and timeless elegance. However, they also have distinct characteristics that can impact performance, maintenance, and style.
In this designer’s guide, we compare marble vs quartzite to help you make an informed decision for your benchtops, vanities, feature walls, or flooring.
Appearance: Elegance vs Earthiness
Marble is synonymous with sophistication. Known for its soft white base and dramatic veining in grey, gold, or black, marble offers a classic, luxurious aesthetic. Each slab is unique, often with flowing, organic patterns that elevate the look of any space.
Quartzite, on the other hand, is typically more rugged and crystalline in appearance. It can mimic the look of marble but often includes a wider palette of colours—ranging from whites and greys to blues, pinks, and greens—with more granular or linear veining.
Design Tip:
- Choose marble for classic, romantic, or European-inspired interiors.
- Go for quartzite if you want a natural stone look with a harder, more modern edge.
Durability: Strength Matters
In terms of durability, quartzite is the clear winner. As one of the hardest natural stones, quartzite resists scratches, chips, and high heat, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Marble is softer and more porous, meaning it’s more susceptible to staining, etching, and wear over time—especially in spaces with heavy use.
Designer Insight:
- Quartzite is preferred in commercial spaces and family homes where durability is key.
- Marble is best used in areas where it can be appreciated and protected, such as feature walls, powder rooms, or decorative surfaces.
Maintenance: Daily Demands
Marble requires regular sealing and gentle maintenance. Acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar can cause etching, so it’s important to clean spills immediately and use pH-neutral cleaners.
Quartzite is far more low-maintenance. Although sealing is still recommended, quartzite handles everyday wear and tear much better, offering peace of mind for busy households or workspaces.
Pro Tip:
- If maintenance is a concern, quartzite offers a more practical solution.
- If you’re prepared for a bit more care, marble rewards you with unmatched elegance.
Cost: Investment vs Practicality
Both marble and quartzite are premium natural stones, and pricing can vary based on rarity, origin, and veining. Typically, marble ranges from $250 to $400 per square metre, while quartzite can range from $300 to $500 per square metre, especially for rare colours.
Budget Insight:
- Consider marble if you’re seeking luxury on a slightly lower budget.
- Invest in quartzite for long-term performance with fewer maintenance costs.
Applications: Where Each Shines
- Marble: Best suited for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, statement walls, and low-traffic benchtops.
- Quartzite: Ideal for kitchen countertops, outdoor kitchens, flooring, and areas exposed to moisture and heat.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Marble if you want:
- Classic luxury and timeless design
- Soft, natural veining and a polished finish
- A feature material that becomes a design focal point
Choose Quartzite if you want:
- Extreme durability with natural stone beauty
- A practical surface for everyday use
- A wide variety of colours with marble-like aesthetics
Explore Premium Marble and Quartzite at Baasar Stone
Whether you’re designing a dream kitchen or creating a showstopping feature wall, Baasar Stone offers Melbourne’s finest selection of marble and quartzite slabs. Visit our Campbellfield showroom to explore full-sized slabs, speak with experts, and find the perfect stone for your project.
Ready to get started?
Discover the perfect premium surface for your space with our stunning range of marble and quartzite slabs. Visit Baasar Stone in Campbellfield or call us on (03) 9357 7780 to speak with our stone experts today!