Quartz. Quartzite. The names sound similar. But although both of these popular countertop materials are derived from the same mineral, and both achieve a similar aesthetic when installed, they are not the same.

Quartzite is formed when quartz-rich sandstone is exposed to high heat and pressure over time as a result of natural processes. It’s found all over the world and in a variety of patterns and colours. Engineered quartz, in contrast, is factory-produced by combining quartz with resins, binding agents, and occasionally pigments.

Thanks to the latest leaps in the aesthetics of man-made stone, today’s quartz genuinely reflects nature’s splendor, but with an important upgrade: unlike natural quartzite, which must be sealed on a regular basis (twice a year, according to some experts), quartz does not require any sealing in order to resist stains, making it a very popular compromise. In fact, resin binders render quartz countertops nonporous, making the material impervious to mold, mildew, and stain- and odour-causing bacteria.

Whether yours are quartzite or quartz, you can maintain the surface using the 

same techniques. Read on to learn the basics.