Quartzite is formed from sandstone’s intense heat and pressure, making it an increasingly popular choice for countertops. While its care and maintenance are similar to marble, quartzite does not corrode as iron-rich stones do. So, this page answers the question: does quartzite rust?
Yes, Quartzite can rust, but not the same way as steel or iron. The rusting is caused by the leaching of minerals in the rock, including hematite and goethite, resulting in a rusty discoloration that’s only on the stone’s surface.
Quartzite is a beautiful natural stone often used for countertops and other home features. Unlike other stones, quartzites are recognized for their high stability, low porosity, and high resistance to impact.
Even when iron finds a way into the stone, quartzite’s greater density than limestone allows it to resist rusting nearly as well as granite. Though quartzite never rusts, the presence of iron can have a noticeable aesthetic impact on the surface
How To Handle Rust Stains On Quartzite?
The best way to handle rusting on quartzite is to prevent the stone from getting rust in the first place. To prevent your quartzite from rusting, you have to protect it from what can cause rust. This implies preventing your quartzite stone from coming in contact with water. But this solution is impractical for certain situations. For instance, you cannot prevent water from touching your countertop made of quartzite stone or the quartzite stone in your bathroom. These are places where the usage of water is inevitable.
Therefore, you should seal your quartzite stone. Granite sealant is great for protecting quartzite stones from rust. It seals the stone and protects it from liquid, which can soak in. Quartzite, like other natural stones, is porous. This porosity puts it at the mercy of stains from liquid. But with sealants, you can secure the stone from corrosion. After sealing your quartzite stone, it is advisable to renew the sealing routinely.
Another option for keeping your quartzite stone from rusting over time is to polish it. There are many brands of natural stone polish that you can explore. Polishing your quartzite will strengthen its seal. Polishing is most advisable for applications like countertops and worktops.
An effective way to protect quartzite from rust is to clean it often. Using granite sealer can secure the stone from corrosion from the inside. Constant cleaning helps to keep surface rust at bay. For instance, when you are not using your countertop, ensure to keep it dry. Clean every liquid stain off it as fast as possible.
While preventing rust by constantly cleaning your countertop, ensure that you use products that are not too harsh for the natural stone. Quartzite is not a stone that can take abrasive substances. For example, vinegar and lemon juice have been effective for handling rust. They are great for cleaning surface rust from a variety of items, especially those made of ceramics. However, these are not the best choice for applications made with quartzite. It is advisable to use mild products for cleaning quartzite stones. Cleaners with neutral pH levels are preferable.
When removing surface rust from quartzite, you can use a soft brush or pad to scrub out the stains. These items will do a great job because the stain is only superficial.
If the stain happens to be a stubborn one, you will need more cleaning to get them out. Sealants are meant to protect the quartzite stone from sucking liquids into its pores. But sometimes, liquids still sip in. Perhaps the quartzite has not been sealed, or the sealing is too thin. You have to clean deeper to get the stains out in this situation.
Sprinkle or dab hydrogen peroxide into the stained area and scrub with a pad. After scrubbing, rinse it with water. If the stain does not go out immediately, repeat the process. If, after a day or two, the stain persists, you can contact a specialist in natural stone care to help you fix it.
Pros of quartzite
Quartzite stone has some good sides to it that make it a great choice for most people. One good side of this natural stone is its beautiful appearance. The stone has a unique and elegant look suitable for applications like stairs, countertops, and even roofing tiles. It gives the house an elegant and sophisticated look.
Also, quartzite stone is durable and strong. It can withstand years of usage without cracking. It is not one of those materials that scratch easily. Quartzite stone retains its aesthetic appeal even with years of usage.
The stone comes in a variety of colors that make it suitable for a wide range of aesthetic choices. Given its aesthetic quality and durability, quartzite is worth buying as it is worth every penny spent on it.
Cons of quartzite
One of the downsides of quartzite is that it is porous. The porosity of this stone makes it susceptible to rust. Liquid can easily sip into its pores and lead to stains and corrosion. If the stone is not sealed, its porosity can give room for stubborn stains and rust that will require deep cleaning and repair in serious situations.
Another area of serious consideration for this stone is its fabrication. Quartzite stone is hard and requires sharp cutting materials, like diamond blades. If you attempt to cut the stone with a blade made for a less hard stone, it might prove challenging to work with. These areas of consideration are not beyond solutions. Therefore, the quartzite stone remains a smart choice.
Conclusion
Quartzite is a natural stone. It is porous and therefore is susceptible to rust. Some stains and rust can be deep-seated and require deep cleaning to get them out. The good news is that this natural stone can be protected from rust. If properly sealed and maintained, corrosion will be far away from it. Also, renewing the seal is essential for keeping it always sealed. Polishing quartzite stone will also keep corrosion at bay.
