Stone Profile: Super White Granite (aka Super White Quartzite!)
In the last few months we’ve done several kitchens in Super White, a gorgeous grey and white stone that has has the appearance of an aerial photograph of an icy, arctic ocean. Super White is sometimes also called Fantasy White Granite or White Vermont Granite.
(From Nova Source International)
A question our customers frequently ask is, “Is Super White a granite or a marble?” Some of our suppliers list it as a granite and others have it filed under marble. The answer is neither.
(From Gramaco Granite & Marble)
Super White is a Quartzite (not to be confused with man-made “quartz”). It is actually harder than granite. Quartzite is a tough, non-foliated metamorphic rock with a large amount of natural quartz. It was changed from sandstone and/or chert into its present state by pressure and heat underground, probably thousands of years ago. It is often white and grey in coloration (like the Super White). Fun fact: in the stone age, quartzite was used as a substitute for flint.
(photo by Andrew Alden)
Super White is a wonderful stone for the kitchen because it give the look of marble with all the durability of granite.
Quartzite Quarry via wikipedia.com
Here are some pictures of Super White installed in a historic style inspired home in St. Mary’s County. The house looks out on the water from a 600 acre property.
Super White
I LOVE YOUR SITE and I’m seriously considering super white quartzite for kitchen counters: husband wants granite for durability, low-maintenance and just plain practicality, but I love the look of the softer stones! QUESTION: CAN I GET A SLAB LIKE THIS HONED? i love the honed look – let me know! thanks again for such a great site and video
Thanks Mary! Unless you live near us, I would say try to find local suppliers (as distinct from fabricators like us). They don’t install; they just import and sell slabs to local fabricators who cut and install. They will be able to help you find a lighter leathered / honed stone. I’ve never seen any quartzites honed or leathered, but the leathered look is just starting to pick up more steam so more are available every month. I know that a supplier near us, Marva Marble, can send a slab away to be leathered, but you have to buy it first. Honed White Carrara marble can be a little more durable than standard polish, but it’s still marble. We’ve had trouble in the past finding white leathered stones, but you never know. I say find some suppliers near you and ask them what they can find for you. Or, find a high end fabricator near you who can search for you. Alternatively, if you can’t find a light stone letahered that you like, why not try Super White Polished on the main counters and a black leathered on the island? Or try one on the decks (horizontal counters) and the other on full backsplash….