shale is a soft sedimentary rock, not used for counters—granite and quartz are the real contenders here.
If you’re redesigning a kitchen or bathroom, you’ve probably typed this exact phrase into Google:
Is quartz better than granite?
Then somewhere along the way you see the word shale and think, “Wait, what does shale have to do with countertops?” Short answer: shale is a soft sedimentary rock, not used for counters—granite and quartz are the real contenders here.
The truth is, quartz is better than granite in some ways (like maintenance), while granite stone is better in others (like heat resistance and natural beauty). The “best” material depends on how you live, what you like, and how much ongoing care you’re willing to do.
This guide walks through:
- Granite vs quartz basics
- Cost, durability, and maintenance
- Design and resale value
- How granite’s geology and weathering connect to its performance
- Where Aardwolf granite products fit into your decision
Granite vs Quartz Countertops: What’s the Real Difference?
Before deciding which is “better,” you need to know what each material really is.
Granite stone: a natural igneous rock
Granite is a natural stone mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished.
Granite geology and composition:
- Forms when magma cools slowly deep underground
- Contains visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica
- Has a speckled, sometimes flowing pattern that’s unique to each slab
Key characteristics of granite:
- Very hard and durable
- Excellent heat resistance
- Slightly porous — needs sealing
- Truly unique appearance (no two slabs are identical)
If you love the deep science side of stone, these articles show how granite changes over geologic time:
- What geologic process can change granite into gneiss?
- How can a large block of granite form layers like an onion?
- What Type of Weathering Is Illustrated by the Cracks in the Simulated Granite Outcrop?
- What type of igneous rock makes up most of the ocean floor – basalt, granite, lucite, shal, shale?
Those posts explain how pressure, heat, and weathering affect granite long before it becomes a countertop.
Quartz: engineered, not quarried slabs
“Quartz countertops” are man-made:
- About 90–95% ground quartz and stone particles
- Mixed with resins and pigments
- Poured into slabs, cured, then polished
What this means for you:
- Very consistent colors and patterns
- Non-porous — no sealing needed
- Slightly less heat tolerant than natural granite
So in a natural vs. engineered granite comparison, granite is 100% natural while quartz is an engineered surface designed for uniformity and convenience.
Is Quartz Better Than Granite for Cost?
Granite countertop cost
Granite countertop cost can range widely depending on:
- Rarity of the stone
- Pattern complexity
- Slab thickness
- Fabrication difficulty
You can often find affordable granite countertop options in common colors through:
- Local fabricators
- Big-box stores
- Wholesale granite suppliers
Quartz cost
Quartz is typically:
- In a similar or slightly higher price range than mid-level granite
- More predictable in price because it’s manufactured rather than quarried
Which is cheaper?
- Entry-level granite is often cheaper than many popular quartz colors.
- Exotic or high-end granite can be more expensive than quartz.
So quartz isn’t automatically cheaper or more expensive; it depends on the specific color, brand, and project.
Verdict on cost:
Neither wins universally. For budget projects, granite often edges ahead. For certain designer looks, quartz may be more competitive.
Durability: Is Quartz Stronger Than Granite?
In a granite vs quartz countertops durability battle, both are very strong—but not in identical ways.
Granite durability
- Extremely hard and impact-resistant
- Excellent heat resistance — you’re still better off using trivets, but granite handles heat better than quartz
- Can chip along edges if hit hard, but repairing chips in granite is usually possible with epoxy
Granite has proven itself over centuries as a building stone and, in modern times, as a countertop material.
Quartz durability
- Also very hard and scratch-resistant
- Highly resistant to everyday wear
- Less heat-tolerant due to the resins — very hot pots or pans can scorch or discolor quartz
Verdict on durability:
For everyday life, both are excellent. Granite has the edge on heat; quartz wins on resistance to some stains and doesn’t need sealing. For heavy cooks who regularly move hot pans, granite often comes out ahead.
Maintenance: Is Quartz Easier to Care for Than Granite?
This is quartz’s biggest selling point.
Clean granite countertops & sealing granite
Granite is slightly porous, so it needs some care:
- Sealing granite: a penetrating sealer is recommended every 1–3 years, depending on use and product
- Daily cleaning: mild dish soap or a stone-safe cleaner, plus a soft cloth
- Avoid harsh acids, abrasive powders, or strong bleach
If something happens:
- Polishing granite surfaces can restore shine if it becomes dull
- Removing stains from granite can usually be done with the right cleaner or poultice
- Chips and small cracks can often be repaired professionally
Quartz maintenance
Quartz is:
- Non-porous, so it does not need sealing
- Very resistant to food and drink stains
- Cleaned easily with mild soap and water
You still need to avoid harsh abrasives, but overall maintenance is minimal.
Verdict on maintenance:
Quartz is clearly “better” for owners who want zero sealing and minimal long-term care. Granite is still low-maintenance, but there is a bit more work (and a bit more geology) involved.
Design & Aesthetics: Which Looks Better—Quartz or Granite?
This is where granite stone really shines.
Natural beauty of granite
Every granite slab is unique because it’s shaped by Earth, not a factory. That’s what makes:
- A white granite countertop feel bright, airy, and subtly varied
- Black granite countertops look deep, dramatic, and luxurious
With granite, you can also get:
- Intricate movement and veining
- Tiny mineral sparkles in the light
- Organic variation that quartz tries (but doesn’t always fully manage) to copy
Granite fits beautifully into many styles, especially when you coordinate:
- Granite backsplash designs – tile or full-slab
- Pairing granite with cabinet colors – warm woods, crisp whites, sophisticated greys
Clean modern look of quartz
Quartz excels when you want:
- Ultra-consistent color and pattern
- Pure whites or uniform greys
- Precise veining that mimics marble without the marble maintenance
If you hate surprises and want exactly what you saw in the showroom, quartz may feel “better” aesthetically.
Verdict on looks:
Subjective. If you love natural variation and a one-of-a-kind surface, granite wins. If you crave consistency and specific color control, quartz wins.
Granite vs Marble, Soapstone & Concrete: Is Granite Still a Strong Choice?
Before you decide if quartz is better than granite, it helps to see how granite compares to other materials too.
Granite vs marble: pros and cons
- Marble: softer, more porous, easily etched by acids; gorgeous but high-maintenance.
- Granite: harder, more scratch-resistant, more forgiving with spills.
Granite vs soapstone durability
- Soapstone: extremely stain-resistant, but softer; scratches and dings more easily.
- Granite: more scratch-resistant, holds shine better under heavy use.
Granite better than concrete countertops?
- Concrete: very porous and prone to cracking; requires careful sealing and installation.
- Granite: naturally strong and dense; easier to live with long-term.
In almost any natural stone countertop comparison, granite remains one of the best all-rounders.
Granite Countertop Cost, Buying Options & Aardwolf Solutions
If you decide granite is still in the race (or even the front-runner), it helps to know how to shop and where Aardwolf fits in.
Where to buy granite countertops
Explore:
- Local stone yards and fabricators
- Wholesale granite suppliers where you can hand-pick slabs
- Larger retailers with bundled affordable granite countertop options
Look carefully at:
- Slab quality and thickness
- Fabrication details (edges, cutouts)
- Installation and warranty
Aardwolf granite: premium slabs and professional services
The Aardwolf granite countertop collection helps simplify the process:
- Aardwolf premium granite slabs are selected for structural strength and attractive, consistent patterning.
- The collection includes many of the best Aardwolf granite colors for modern and traditional styles.
- With Aardwolf granite installation services, you get professional templating, cutting, seam placement, and proper sealing.
- The Aardwolf granite pricing guide helps you understand cost tiers and match them to your budget and design goals.
This makes it easier to choose granite confidently—even in a market full of quartz options.
So… Is Quartz Better Than Granite?
There’s no universal yes or no. The real answer is:
- Quartz is better if you:
- Want zero sealing
- Prefer perfectly consistent color and pattern
- Don’t regularly set very hot pans directly on the countertop
- Granite is better if you:
- Love natural stone and unique slabs
- Want superior heat resistance
- Don’t mind occasional sealing and simple maintenance
- Value a strong, time-tested material that fits beautifully in a wide range of designs