Quartzite is metamorphic sandstone formed under pressure and heat. It is generally harder and more scratch-resistant than marble, while performance, porosity and sealing requirements vary by the individual stone, quarry and finish. Antolini's program runs across the spectrum: Cristallo for translucent backlit work; Taj Mahal and Crystal White Supreme for warm and cool whites; Costa Smeralda, Patagonia, and Fusion cuts where movement is the point.

Reading the fit is mostly about what the stone has to do. Kitchen islands and high-touch counters want the durability — Taj Mahal, Crystal White Supreme, or one of the Cristallo cuts in honed. Backlit vertical work wants translucency — Cristallo Bianco, Tiffany Jade, Patagonia. Bath walls and fireplace surrounds can take the more dramatic Patagonia and Fusion cuts where movement is the architecture.

Selection is best done in the yard with a panel and a light. Quartzite reads more variably than marble under different conditions — translucency, color shift, and band rhythm all change with the angle. Stop by to walk current Antolini stock before committing a specific cut to a project.