How do granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops differ?

Granite is a natural igneous rock made mainly of quartz, feldspar and mica; each slab is unique and extremely durable. Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz mixed with resins and pigments, giving a consistent appearance and eliminating the need for sealing. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when sandstone rich in quartz is compressed under heat and pressure; it is one of the hardest natural stones, resists heat, stains and scratches, and has marble‑like veining but generally less porosity. Marble is a metamorphic rock developed when limestone recrystallizes; it offers a luxurious, veined look but is softer and more prone to scratching and etching. In practice, quartz is non‑porous and resists stains but can be damaged by extreme heat; granite tolerates hot pans and cuts well but should be sealed periodically; quartzite combines marble’s elegance with granite’s durability and usually needs less maintenance than other natural stones, though periodic sealing is still recommended; marble provides a cool surface prized by bakers but stains and scratches more easily and requires careful upkeep.