• Hope Deer, global director – slab division, Marmi Natural Stone 

• Tyra Della Croce, executive vice president, Connecticut Stone

• Kristin Holder, Director of Product Development, Dwyer Marble and Stone

Read what they had to say: 

SW: What quartzite materials do you find are most in demand these days? 

HD: Taj Mahal continues to lead in popularity. Its creamy beige base, accented with soft gold and ivory tones, offers a timeless elegance that resonates with designers. Mont Blanc is also gaining traction for its warm neutral background and subtly expressive veining. At the same time, quartzites known for their vibrant hues -- like the rarer Fusion Light -- are capturing attention as clients become more confident in making bold colorful statements.

TD: Taj Mahal seems to be the top pick for its creamy, gold veined warmth, perfect for luxurious interiors. Cristallo shines with its sparkly translucent glow -- ideal as a bold statement piece. The Macaubas family (White, Fantasy, Azul) offers cool blues, whites and off whites. For outdoor patios, Loredo quartzite blends are popular for their durable, textured, earthy look.

Taj Mahal fits the current warm inviting trend, while Cristallo and Macaubas nail high-end natural aesthetics. Loredo’s ruggedness is great for outdoor durability.

KH: Without question, warm-toned quartzites are leading the market right now. Materials like Taj Mahal and Mykonos are at the forefront, celebrated for their overall warmth. Supporting them are stones such as Cristallo, Tempest Blue and Barcelona, which incorporate warmer-toned veining into their natural character.

For the last four to five years, we heard from the design community that a shift from cool to warm tones was on the horizon, but sales data didn’t reflect it until more recently. Today, the fashion industry’s influence on color palettes through fabrics, furniture and interior finishes is unmistakable. We are officially in the “warm era.”

SW: What are some reasons you believe customers are gravitating towards quartzites rather than other material?

TD: I think our customers are leaning toward quartzites more than ever right now because it can look like a fancy marble, but it is way tougher; resisting scratches, heat and wear from everyday use. Unlike granite, which can seem very busy, quartzite has a soft natural pattern that feels elegant and timeless. It is definitely a more authentic feel than man-made quartz products, giving your home a unique earthy vibe which seems to be the popular trend right now.

KH: There are two main reasons driving quartzite’s popularity:

1. The Look. Quartzite offers a stunning variety of colors -- from subtle neutrals to bold dramatic tones. Whether a customer wants something soft and elegant, like whites, creams or tans that resemble Italian marble, or something expressive with deep greens, blues or blacks, quartzite provides options that align with virtually any design vision. Customers not only find a material they love, but also a way to express their personality and define their space
2. The Performance. Quartzite’s durability is a major advantage. With a hardness rating of 7 on the MOHS scale, it’s more resistant to scratching than many other stones. As a siliceous stone, it also resists etching, making it a practical alternative to marble in both residential and commercial settings. For customers concerned about performance as much as beauty, quartzite checks both boxes.

HD: Quartzites don’t contain calcium carbonate, so they resist etching -- unlike marble. They’re also denser and more scratch-resistant, which gives them extra durability in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bars. That combination of strength and natural beauty makes them a standout choice.

SW: For what applications are you seeing quartzites used for most?

KH: Countertops remain the most common application for quartzites. However, we are seeing a notable rise in vertical uses. Full-height backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and bathroom cladding are all growing in popularity, as designers and homeowners look to create dramatic statement pieces that showcase the material’s natural beauty.

HD: Quartzite is a top choice for kitchens and high-use areas because it doesn’t etch, but its appeal goes beyond performance. Many quartzites are rich in color and feature unique mineral compositions, creating truly one-of-a-kind surfaces. It’s the ideal option for clients who want something distinctive -- not what everyone else has.

TD: Quartzite is a go-to for kitchen countertops. Its strength handles daily wear while keeping that polished look. Bathroom vanities and shower surrounds are also popular, creating a calming luxurious atmosphere. For outdoor spaces, patios and pool decks frequently use quartzites like Loredo for its slip-resistant texture and weather durability. You can also find it in accent walls and fireplace surrounds, bringing a natural, high-end touch to homes. 

SW: What are a few points you feel are important to make customers aware of when they choose a quartzite for their design? 

HD: Quartzite is a harder material, which means not all varieties are easy to miter -- especially for detailed edgework. While it can be leathered, the finish doesn’t absorb as deeply as it does with marble or limestone. Setting proper expectations around fabrication and finish helps ensure the final result aligns with the design vision.

TD: 

• Slab Variation: Quartzite slabs differ in color and veining. I always suggest to my customers that they should view their specific slab in person to make sure it matches their vision. This prevents surprises after installation. 
• Cost Consideration: Quartzites like Taj Mahal can cost more than other stones due to their rarity and import expenses. However, its durability justifies it as long-term investment. 
• Cleaning Ease: Quartzites need simple care -- mild dish soap and water work well. As with any natural stone I would avoid harsh chemicals to keep its surface pristine.

KH: Quartzite is still considered a relatively new category for many customers, and with that comes a fair amount of misinformation and even mislabeling in the marketplace. It’s critical that fabricators source their stone from a reputable distributor with the knowledge and expertise to guide them.

A few key points customers should understand:

• Sealing: Quartzite, like all natural stone, requires sealing. Different quartzites may require different levels of care depending on their geological makeup.
• Fabrication: Quartzite’s hardness means it requires more time, precision and expertise to fabricate properly. This can affect both costs and lead times, but the investment ensures a flawless finished product.

By educating customers on these points upfront, we set them up for success and long-term satisfaction with their stone.

SW: Is there anything else you would like to share about quartzite?

TD: In my opinion, quartzite is captivating homeowners with its natural elegance. It can effortlessly blend modern and classic designs. It has the ability to complement wood and greenery, making it a perfect fit for the cozy nature-inspired interiors that seem to be trending now. Whether it’s a polished finish that catches the light, a honed surface for a soft organic feel or a brushed textured look that adds rustic depth. Quartzite brings unique character and sophistication to reality, making every design feel timeless yet fresh.

HD: Some of the more unique quarries yield single blocks that produce true masterpieces -- slabs so striking they’re seen once and never again. It’s the rare combination of minerals, formed at just the right moment in time, that creates these natural works of art. My advice, if you come across a slab that inspires you, lean into it. Let that one-of-a-kind piece guide your design, rather than trying to design first and search for the perfect slab later.