Our Materials for Custom Countertops in Medford, NJ

All Marble, Granite & Tile Imports, Inc.

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when quartz-rich sandstone or chert has been exposed to high temperatures and pressures. These unique conditions fuse the quartz grains, forming a dense, hard, equigranular rock. The name quartzite implies not only a high degree of hardness but also a high quartz content. Quartzite generally comprises greater than 90% percent quartz, and some examples contain up to 99% quartz. Some samples are the largest and purest concentrations of silica in the Earth's crust.

Although quartz-rich sandstone or marble can look similar to quartzite, they are not the same. Quartzite tends to have a sugary appearance and glassy luster. The variety of colors is a consequence of minor amounts of impurities being incorporated with the quartz during metamorphism. Although quartzite can sometimes appear superficially similar to marble, a piece of quartzite will not be able to be scratched by a metal blade, can scratch glass, and will not fizz on contact with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.

The good thing is that quartz is extremely hard and durable. It is also available with a glossy sheen or a honed finish. In general, it holds up well to normal usage since it is non-porous and resistant to cracks and stains. It does not require sealing or resealing, and it is easy to clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth. Many colors are available!

However, quartz is also expensive and not tolerant to heat. Seams are inevitable for larger countertop designs.

Granite is an extremely common stone all over the world, and it makes up a substantial portion of the Earth’s crust. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it is formed deep under the Earth’s crust as molten lava and rock cool very slowly. During the cooling process, minerals like feldspar and quartz crystallize and bond together.

Because of the way it is formed, granite is very strong and resists water and food acids. It looks like a bunch of crystals packed together very tightly. Some granites have larger crystals, some have very small crystals, and some contain both. It is found on all seven continents and beneath the waves of the Earth’s oceans. The presence of different minerals during its formation causes granite to take on an almost endless variety of colors, from white to black, red to blue, and every blend of colors possible.

Granite is classified by price groups or levels; these levels are determined by the cost and availability or rarity of the stone as well as the quality.

Overall, granite is a practical choice. It’s not quite as dramatic as marble, but it is still very beautiful. Plus, it is a practical choice. Countertops need to be utilitarian, and that’s why we usually recommend granite first. Granite is also good for tabletops and furniture pieces. Granite countertops will still look practically brand new after 10 years of use as long as they are maintained properly and cared for in the right way.

Marble is a metamorphic rock. It began as a coral reef beneath an ancient sea millions of years ago. The reef eventually became buried under rock, and the calcium-rich bones of the little creatures that lived among the reef eventually became calcium carbonate or limestone. Then, the limestone was buried even further beneath the Earth's surface, and, under tremendous heat and pressure, the calcium carbonate crystallized into marble.

Marble is commonly found almost everywhere. Because it is composed of calcium carbonate, it is easily soluble in food acids and semi-soluble in water. Calcium carbonate is a soft material and can be easily scratched by metal tools. The presence of other minerals in the calcium carbonate is what gives marble its rich color variations and veining. Marble comes in almost as many colors as granite, and it comes in a much wider range of patterns.

Marble has a more random variety of color swirls and veining, often including crystal pockets. Compared to granite, it may not be as tough or resilient, but it is still a very strong stone. The fact that so many marble buildings from ancient Rome and Greece are still standing proves its durability.

After 10 years of use, marble countertops tend to be scratched by knives, stained by food acids, and dull from water and cleaning solutions, which wears away the polished surface. A deep cleaning and resurfacing can completely revitalize such weary countertops to their original glory.