Redoing my kitchen - What countertops should I get?

"quartzite for me. It is a natural rock harder than granite." And you believe Granite - is NOT a natural stone?? You may want to do a little more research
Sorry I beg to differ with you on this!
Here is a little more info -- Technically you are correct on the hardness -some good info below:

Granite is an igneous rock known for being very hard. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz, the hardest material on earth. Basically, quartzite comes about when quartz-rich sandstone is altered by the heat, pressure, and chemical activity of metamorphism. These conditions recrystallize the sand grains and the silica cement that binds them together, making it even harder. Both granite and quartzite are very hard, but on the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being hardest) quartzite has the slight edge. It measures around 7 whereas granite measures around 6 to 6.5.

While quartzite is slightly harder than granite, it’s important to understand that it’s not bullet proof. Quartzite does have one particular flaw that you won’t see in granite: etching.

Etching is surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone. It happens when acidic substances come into contact with countertops, floors, walls, or anywhere you may have natural stone. Some common household items are notorious for etching, including lemons, colas, ketchup, and even some cleaning products. In some quartzite slabs, there can be traces of calcium carbonate—a
substance that reacts very easily to acid. If these areas come into contact with acids, this can cause localized etching. Mild etching still feels smooth and can be removed with a polishing powder. Deeper etches feel rough and may be cloudy looking. If this happens, you’ll need to reach out to a stone restoration professional. However, there are a few protective measures that you can take to help avoid etching: Choose a honed finish over a polished finish or add a stone sealant for an extra layer of protection.


This info is from here , I think both these surfaces are great
The Difference Between Quartzite and Granite - Marble & Granite (marbleandgranite.com)

 

That pattern is way too busy for my taste.

 

Never said granite is not a natural stone, just said quartzite is. As opposed to quartz counter tops that are man made with natural quartz grindings. Now that you think you have properly educated me, go look something else up on the internet

 

That's what I said. WOW.

I am just a dude who might wear OD pants and a blue or red shirt, so I dunno - that said my wife kinda gets after me about patterns, those two flooring styles, the cabinet wood (which actually stand alone IS cool) , the counter tops, wall paneling...................wholly sheet - my head is spinning. Too much IMHO.

But if someone digs something, not my bag thing

 

But you can never tell if it is dirty, lol.

 

I got Tiger King vibes from this one.

 

Funny that is how our quartz is. It's shines up real nice, but if you just walk up to it you can't tell if there are white bread crumbs on it until you wipe it.

 

Still vote butcher block. It’s warmer than any stone, steel or tile. Total BS about being a germ factory unless you are a total pig. If stained or scorched simple easily done sanding solver the problem.

 

Hey OP , get whichever countertop you like for your own place , Quartz , Granite , Solid Surface , Tile or Butcher block

can't go wrong


unless you pick tile or butcher block

 

Sorry -- "quartzite is NOT A NATURAL STONE it contains Quartz -- Quartz is a natural stone -Quartzite is a produced composite containing Quartz and other stuff ! Do I have to look it up again to prove it to you???? do your research and you will find the TRUTH

 

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=quartzite+vs+quartz

 

We went with quartzite in our kitchen also.
Yes, it IS a naturally occurring metamorphic rock, and yes, it IS harder than granite.
We went with what was referred to as a leather finish. It is somewhat textured and not shiny or slick.
I absolutely love it!

 

Everybody mad about countertops on a truck site

 

My vote quartz!

 

I stand -corrected -- Thanks for the enlightenment!!
Maybe -years ago (many years) I think they only called it Quartz - Is quartzite a newer geologic description, or was I just not paying attention that day in school?

 

Trust me I am not mad, there is a hell of a lot of other stuff to be mad about in the USA these days -- This "trucksite" is a welcome diversion from all that CRAP!

 

I'm a fan of princess white quartzite. Been looking at that for our upcoming build