As one of Melbourne’s leading natural stone suppliers, SNB Stone works with both marble and quartzite every day.
The question we’re asked most often is: what’s the difference?
What is Marble? A Stone With Ancient Roots
Marble. Where Classical Art began. Marble is a form of opulence, seamlessly slotting into any architectural and artistic time period. Why is this so?
Marmor, “comes from the Greek verb marmairein, which means ‘to glisten.’ Its Sanskrit root, mar-mar, indicates the lapping of waves. The Greeks and Romans believed that marble was of watery origin, and constantly ‘sweated out’ by mountains.” *
From ancient times up until the Enlightenment, civilisations believed in the Great Chain of Being. Or, believed in the connectedness of all things in our universe. From Gods and Deities, down to minerals, these connections were ‘established mainly on the basis of physical and visual qualities.’
Even after advancements in our understanding of geology, the poetic view of marble prevails. Marble as ‘the divine on earth, the spiritual sphere as physical substance.’*
Marble remains a timeless choice, in contemporary design we see its beauty commonly used for kitchen islands, bathroom bench-tops, feature walls and fireplace surrounds. In all these spaces, its evolving patina tells the home’s story.
What is Quartzite? A Material With 64,000 Years of History
Quartzite, like marble, has rich historical and cultural significance. Elevated and visually captivating, it is favoured among the SNB clientele. And for good reason. Quartzite has been and continues to be a crucial material in Australia.
For 64,000+ years, the First Peoples of this vast continent have used large quartzite stones to crush food, prepare medicines and for refining ochre into fine, vibrant pigments for ceremony and visual storytelling.
Quartzite’s extreme durability is comparable to that of granite. In Aboriginal cultures, it was used for producing flaked stone tools; like spear tips, scrapers and cutting instruments. “Quartzite and sandstone outcrops are often associated with powerful Ancestral Beings in central northern Australia, linking the material to spiritual and cultural landscapes.’
Quartzite was important in Ancient Egyptian art and architecture, especially in royal burials and statues of the pharaos, due to its durability. Commonly red and brown, these hues are associated with the sun and its movement, and to project the power of the sun god, Ra.
To hone in on its strength, quartzite was the second most frequently used lithic material in Europe during the Palaeolithic period, with tools often crafted by Neanderthals.
So, for kitchen bench-tops, bathroom vanities and outdoor entertaining areas, quartzite’s resistance to heat and scratching makes it a consistently popular choice.
Marble vs Quartzite: Which Stone Should You Choose?
If both marble and quartzite are culturally significant, visually stunning and premium quality, how does one decide between the two stone types?
Quartzite’s beauty lies in its striking colour variations and prominent veining. This natural stone has a durability comparable to granite, and its non-reactive qualities make it suitable for high-traffic/outdoor areas. If you are seeking a stone that will maintain the same look over time, quartzite is your match.
One of one of the aspects of marble that we love most is actually in its ability to show its wear. Over time, marble will slowly show signs of use, known as patination. This doesn’t make it a lesser choice. Surfaces in your home, like at your kitchen island, will develop with use and naturally reflect the rhythms of daily life. These patinas are a part of the allure, connoting the human touch and our ongoing connection to the earth.