Quartzite is a metamorphic rock made almost entirely of the mineral quartz. (Note – The mineral quartz should not be confused with the brands of manufactured countertop materials commonly referred to as “quartz surfacing” which contain crushed quartz with a resin binder.) Quartzite begins its geologic life as sand grains. Over time, the sand grains become compressed and stuck together to form sandstone. If the sandstone gets buried ever more deeply underneath layers of rocks, it gets hotter and more compressed. With enough heat and pressure, the sand grains lose their original shape and fuse to their neighbors, forming a dense, durable rock.
Specialty Stones are referred to as Dolomite. Dolomite is based on the dual carbonate of calcium-magnesium carbonate, and the properties of this stone are influenced by this difference in composition. Dolomites generally have higher densities, lower absorptions, greater compressive and bending strengths, and higher abrasion resistance than the calcium carbonate based limestones such as marble.
