Synthetic Quartzite vs Marble Slabs

[Gosut]

Am going to have to order one or the other. The synthetic quartzite is 1" / 2.54 cm thick and the marble is 1.5" / 3.81 cm. Have seen one marble top on an antique dresser and it seemed to hold up well, but seem to recall it stained and that it can react to acids. OTOH, the slab I'm looking at is thicker. Marble will adversely react with acids to the point that acid rain eroded marble sculpture, but is this a significant concern?

[Littlef]

I think you’re good with either one you choose. 

 

A quick google search: 

Quartzite is much harder than marble is. measuring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, quartzite far surpasses marble which is usually around 3.

Is quartzite more fragile than marble?

As it is harder than marble, it is less prone to daily wear or tear and is also not vulnerable to chipping and stains. Besides being durable, quartzite countertops are also resistant to heat. Therefore, keeping any hot pan or pan on it will not damage it. It also doesn't scratch, even if you use a knife on its surface.

 

and regarding the acid question.  Unless you're planning on dumping acid on it, or leaving it in the back yard with acid rain for a hundred years, I can't image there being any impact.  If you spill something on it that shouldn't be on it..... clean it off.  I believe marble is somewhat porous, and could stain - but I would recommend never dying your leather directly on the slab.  

 

Edited September 25, 2024 by Littlef

[Northmount]

I have a small Quartzite slab about 9x12", some pieces of marble various sizes, and 2 granite slabs about 12x24".  I haven't had any kind of problem with any of them, except they are getting heavier as I age!

 

[fredk]

2 hours ago, Gosut said:

 Marble will adversely react with acids to the point that acid rain eroded marble sculpture, but is this a significant concern?

yes it is. certain fluids used with leather and the tannens will leech out etching into the marble leaving an uneven working surface 

[RidgebackCustoms]

2 hours ago, Gosut said:

Am going to have to order one or the other

I favor thicker slabs over thinner slabs.  Not so much an opinion on material.  FYI before you order one, if you have a local granite/marble shop that actually does the fabrication you could see if they have any scrap.  Local granite place has a massive pile of off cuts (circular cut outs for garbage bins in countertops/small squares from sink cut outs, etc.) and they just treat it like garbage.  Told me to take as much as I wanted when I asked if I could have a piece.

[SUP]

I find that marble cracks far more easily than granite.  Also stains and pits. 

[Gosut]

6 hours ago, RidgebackCustoms said:

I favor thicker slabs over thinner slabs.  Not so much an opinion on material.  FYI before you order one, if you have a local granite/marble shop that actually does the fabrication you could see if they have any scrap.  Local granite place has a massive pile of off cuts (circular cut outs for garbage bins in countertops/small squares from sink cut outs, etc.) and they just treat it like garbage.  Told me to take as much as I wanted when I asked if I could have a piece.

The closest granite countertop place is about an hour away, and they're working when I am.  Closer to a monument company, but don't know how well I can handle a slab of granite 3 to 4 inches thick. I agree that scrap countertop granite would be the way to go.

[DieselTech]

22 minutes ago, Gosut said:

The closest granite countertop place is about an hour away, and they're working when I am.  Closer to a monument company, but don't know how well I can handle a slab of granite 3 to 4 inches thick. I agree that scrap countertop granite would be the way to go.

I wish you was closer to me. I got a 18x36 or a 18x24 slab a 1.5" thick I would give you. 

[Littlef]

All granite places don't give away scraps.  I went to the granite store down the street from me, and asked if they had any scraps or cut out, and they all laughed at me.  They had cut samples (which I'm sure were cleaned up scraps. ) I bought a sample piece for $25 bucks, which saved me from have to drive around asking other shops.

[RidgebackCustoms]

38 minutes ago, Littlef said:

All granite places don't give away scraps. 

Very true.  I called around to a few shops before I found the good stuff and most were incredulous I would even ask.  But if you're in the Anderson, SC area I know a place lol.