Do you want the look of marble without the maintenance? Here is a list of quartzite that looks like marble but is known for its durability and ease of care.

Sometimes, the cost and maintenance required for marble mean that it isn’t the best option for some. But marble looks so beautiful! Luckily, there are some great Quartzite alternatives. In this article, I’ve listed out the best quartzite that looks like marble, including pictures and descriptions. You can jump to any section you want using the Table of Contents below.

The other week I shared with you that I selected Quartzite for my kitchen countertops. As a reminder, Quartzite isn’t the same as Quartz, despite how similar the names sound! You can read about the difference between Quartz and Quartzite here.

What I really, really wanted was marble. I absolutely love the look of both Calacatta, Calacatta Gold, and Carrara marble. But I know myself. And I know my family. And marble countertops would have been a disaster for us, no matter how well we sealed them!

So, I wanted something that looked like marble but was easier to maintain. Something neutral with beautiful veins and a timeless look.

Hello Quartzite!

Quartzite Slabs

Quartzite slabs are known for their natural beauty and unique patterns, colors, and veining. Since quartzite is a natural stone, no two slabs are identical, making each one a unique work of art. Homeowners have found that these quartzite slabs work well for all types of applications, from kitchen countertops and backsplashes, to bathrooms, flooring, and more.

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that can come in a range of colors, from soft whites and grays to bold blues and greens. Some slabs may have veins of contrasting colors running through them, while others may have a more uniform appearance. Some quartzite slabs also have a sparkling effect due to the presence of mica minerals in the stone.

And thankfully, some quartzite countertops have a strong resemblance to marble!

PROS AND CONS OF QUARTZITE

Pros of Quartzite Countertops:

  1. Durability: Quartzite is a very hard and dense material, making it highly resistant to scratches, heat, and chipping.
  2. Unique Beauty: Quartzite has a natural beauty with a range of unique patterns and colors that cannot be exactly replicated in engineered materials.
  3. Stain-Resistant: Quartzite is naturally resistant to stains and etching if it is properly sealed and maintained.
  4. Versatility: Quartzite can be used for a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, sinks, and wall cladding.

Cons of Quartzite Countertops:

  1. Cost: Quartzite can be more expensive than other natural stone materials and engineered quartz countertops.
  2. Porous: Quartzite is a natural stone and is porous, which means it can stain and etch if not sealed properly.
  3. Maintenance: Often compared to the maintenance level of granite, Quartzite requires regular sealing to protect against staining and etching.
  4. Limited availability: While quartzite is becoming more popular, it is still less widely available than other materials, which can affect the price and availability. As a natural stone, if you see one you like and don’t purchase it, you might not find the same one again!

Quartzite is popular choice for homeowners, interior designers, and architects who desire the beauty and luxury of marble with the added durability and low maintenance of quartzite. So, if you love the look of marble but want something that is less expensive and easier to maintain, quartzite countertops might be your best option! Below are my top pics for quartzites that look like marble, listed in alphabetical order.

I’ve included a few different pictures for each to demonstrate the variation found even within the same quartzite!

Note: While these represent what each could look like, it’s important that you visit your local showroom to see what is currently available in your area. All descriptions are based on the slab appearances at the time of writing.

Quartzite That Looks Like Marble

Branco Superiore

This Brazilian quartzite is a warm white with greys, browns, and whites dispersed throughout in soft veining that runs in multiple directions.

Branco Superiore quartzite slab with creamy background and brown and white veining

Cristallo

Cristallo Quartzite typically exhibits a white or light gray background with subtle and intricate veining. The veining can range from soft gray to beige and may create patterns resembling flowing water or ice-like formations. It sometimes has gold or dark red coloring in some areas. It often has a translucent quality, allowing light to pass through the stone to some extent.

Denali

Light gray background with gray veining that runs in a single direction. The veins of Denali tend to be jagged lines, as opposed to smooth, and can be either whispy or dramatic. Denali is often chosen for its similarity to Cararra or Statuario marble.

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita has a creamy white or beige background with intricate and bold veining patterns. Vein colors include subtle gray, beige, gold, brown, and sometimes even soft green.

Dumont

The veining in Dumont quartzite can be a bit more pronounced than some of the others on this list and tends to run linearly.

Dumont quartzite slab that looks like marble

Kalahari

Kalahari Quartzite typically exhibits a warm color palette with a combination of soft beige, sandy yellow, and hints of pink and gray. It often features intricate and flowing veining patterns in shades of brown, rust, and cream, creating a captivating and organic look. The unique color variations and veining in Kalahari Quartzite give it a natural beauty reminiscent of the landscapes found in the Kalahari Desert in Africa, from which it takes its name. It can add warmth and character to any space.

Le Blanc

Compared to Mont Blanc (see below), Le Blanc has a slightly warmer white background. The colors of the veins are similar to Mont Blanc in grays, taupes, and charcoal. There can be bold sections of white interspersed.

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc quartzite is currently very popular and known for its elegant and luxurious appearance. It is a type of Brazilian quartzite that features a predominantly white background with beautiful gray and taupe veining, often punctuation by black and white. This combination of colors and patterns gives Mont Blanc quartzite a resemblance to some types of marble, particularly varieties like Calacatta marble.

The veining in Mont Blanc quartzite can vary in intensity and distribution, creating unique and eye-catching patterns on the surface. It often exhibits bold, sweeping veins that flow across the slab, adding character and visual interest. The overall effect is a sophisticated and timeless look that can enhance the aesthetic of any space.

Perla Venata

A Brazilian quartzite, Perla Venata is mined from the same mountains as Taj Mahal (see below), so they have similar coloring. It has a warm background like Taj Mahal, but softer light brown veining.

Super White Calacatta / White Fantasy / Super White Quartzite

This slab can go by a few different names, but overall it’s similar to White Princess (see below). It has a soft white base with gray and silver veining.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal quartzite has a soft, creamy beige background with delicate veins in gray and gold tones. This white quartzite from Brazil can give the impression of a warm and subtle marble-like appearance.

Taj Mahal quartzite is a popular and sought-after natural stone known for its resemblance to the famous Taj Mahal marble from India. It features a warm and soft color palette with a predominantly creamy beige or off-white background. Taj Mahal quartzite often exhibits delicate veining in shades of gray, beige, and gold, creating a subtle and elegant appearance.

The veining patterns in Taj Mahal quartzite can vary from slab to slab, ranging from linear to more organic and flowing patterns. Some slabs may have more pronounced veining, while others may have a more muted and subtle appearance. The unique combination of colors and patterns gives Taj Mahal quartzite a timeless and sophisticated look.

Taj Mahal quartzite is highly regarded for its durability and resistance to heat, making it suitable for various applications in both residential and commercial settings. It is commonly used for countertops, backsplashes, wall cladding, and flooring. The warm and neutral tones of Taj Mahal quartzite make it versatile, complementing a wide range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary.

White Macaubas

White Macaubas features a predominantly white or off-white background with delicate and intricate gray or light beige veining. The veining patterns can vary from subtle and wispy to more pronounced and bold, giving the stone a sense of movement and elegance.

White Macaubas quartzite is often chosen for its resemblance to certain types of white marble including Carrara marble or Statuario marble.

White Princess

This quartzite tends to be predominantly white and gray. The density of the gray veining can vary greatly from one slab to another, with some covered in veining, such as below, and others minimal veining on a white background.

Additional Tips & Tidbits

  • Naming conventions are not always consistent between suppliers, so don’t get too hung up on the name but rather, focus on the slab’s appearance.
  • While quartzite that looks like marble is often described as having white backgrounds with veining, what you’ll find is that the backgrounds range from cool-white or gray, to beige. You need to look at each slab in person to really understand its coloring.
  • No two slabs are identical. If you see one you love, buy it before it’s gone!
  • Quartzite comes in a variety of finishes, including polished, leather and honed. Unless you feel very strongly about one or the other, go into your shopping process with an open mind.
  • If you want your countertop to be backlit, consider Cristallo
  • Always work with a reputable fabricator, as quartzite slabs are expensive and you want to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Despite their durability, quartzite needs to be sealed regularly so don’t skip the maintenance.

Kitchen Renovation – My Selection

After scouring several slab yards and going back and forth on what I liked, I ultimately decided to go with Le Blanc! I love that it has a warmer background than several of the other options, but doesn’t really lean beige.

I purchased my slabs from Tez Marble and chose this batch:

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