Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock. It forms when pure quartz sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. For example, similarly to when tectonic plates move under one another. Under these conditions individual quartz pieces will recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative, often marble-like, pattern. Because of how it is formed, it is harder than quartz.
This durable slab is found in Brazil, Italy, India, Norway, Greece, China, US, Canada, and Indonesia. As well as in Finland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, The Russian Federation, and Switzerland. It also is available in a number of colors: grey, green, white, blue, brown, multicolor, red, yellow, beige, silver, gold, lilac, pink, bordeaux, and black.
In the US, this is produced by Turquoise Stone Quarries in Oakley, ID and Park City, UT; Zebra Stone Quarry Company, in Salt Lake City, UT; and the Rocky Mountain Quartzite Quarries in Oakley, ID.
Since the terms Quartzite and Quartz are mis-used interchangeably in our industry, we have authored a blog about the difference between Quartzite and Quartz.