And sometimes you’ll even see the word shale in geology articles and wonder if it belongs in the conversation. Short answer: shale is far too soft and flaky for countertops. The real duel is between quartz and granite stone
When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one question always shows up early:
Which is better, quartz or granite?
And sometimes you’ll even see the word shale in geology articles and wonder if it belongs in the conversation. Short answer: shale is far too soft and flaky for countertops. The real duel is between quartz and granite stone.
This guide breaks down the comparison in a way that’s friendly for homeowners and friendly for search engines. We’ll look at:
- How granite forms and what makes it special
- How granite vs quartz countertops compare on cost, durability, and maintenance
- Style decisions like white vs black granite countertops
- Where to find affordable granite countertop options
- How Aardwolf granite products fit into your decision
We’ll also connect to related questions you might already be researching, such as:
- Is quartz cheaper than granite?
- Is quartz better than granite?
- Is quartz more expensive than granite?
- Is quartz or granite more expensive?
Understanding Granite Stone (and Why Shale Isn’t in the Race)
Granite geology and composition
Granite is a natural igneous rock formed when molten magma cools slowly deep below the Earth’s surface. This slow cooling allows big crystals to form. Typical granite geology and composition includes:
- Quartz – gives hardness and scratch resistance
- Feldspar – creates much of the white, cream, or pink body color
- Mica & accessory minerals – dark flecks, veins, and sparkle
These ingredients explain the key characteristics of granite:
- Very high hardness and durability
- Excellent heat resistance (it handles hot pots far better than many surfaces)
- Slight natural porosity (so sealing granite is important)
- Ability to hold a deep, glossy polish for years
Why shale is not a countertop material
Shale is a soft, layered sedimentary rock made of compacted mud and clay. It:
- Breaks into thin sheets
- Weathers and crumbles relatively easily
- Lacks the strength and cohesion needed to resist knives, pans, or daily kitchen use
In other words, shale is interesting in a rock outcrop, not under your coffee maker. For countertops, the realistic choice is quartz vs granite, not shale.
Natural vs Engineered Granite: Quartz vs Granite Countertops
A lot of confusion comes from mixing up natural granite and engineered quartz.
What is natural granite?
Natural granite:
- Is quarried in large blocks
- Cut into slabs and polished
- Offers completely unique patterning in each piece
You can clean it, refinish it, and even repair or polish granite surfaces over time if they become dull.
What are quartz countertops?
“Quartz countertops” are engineered stone:
- Around 90–95% ground quartz and stone
- Mixed with resins and pigments
- Cast into slabs and factory finished
Key advantages of quartz:
- Non-porous – no sealing required
- Very resistant to common stains
- Ultra-consistent colors and patterns
So in a natural vs engineered granite comparison:
- Granite = 100% natural stone
- Quartz = man-made surface designed for consistency and low maintenance
Cost: Which Is Better for Your Budget, Quartz or Granite?
Price is one of the first things people compare.
Granite countertop cost
Granite countertop cost depends on:
- Color rarity (common vs exotic)
- Pattern (calm speckle vs bold, flowing veins)
- Slab thickness and finish
- Fabrication details (edges, cutouts, seams)
- Where you buy:
- Local showrooms
- Big-box stores with affordable granite countertop options
- Wholesale granite suppliers where you can pick individual slabs
Common, widely available granites often fall on the more budget-friendly side, while rare stones become premium choices.
Quartz cost
Quartz pricing is driven by:
- Brand
- Pattern complexity (especially realistic marble-look designs)
- Thickness and edge style
In many markets, entry- to mid-range granite is often the same price or slightly cheaper than entry- to mid-range quartz, while high-end quartz and exotic granite can trade places at the top of the price chart.
If you’re digging into the details of price alone, it’s worth exploring:
- Is quartz cheaper than granite?
- Is quartz more expensive than granite?
- Is quartz or granite more expensive?
Cost takeaway: Neither material is always cheaper. For many standard kitchens, granite can be the more economical way to get a true stone surface.
Maintenance: Clean Granite Countertops vs Zero-Seal Quartz
Maintaining granite
To keep clean granite countertops looking their best, you should:
- Wipe daily with mild dish soap or a stone-safe cleaner
- Avoid harsh acids (vinegar, lemon) and abrasive powders
- Reseal periodically (typically every 1–3 years, depending on use and sealer)
When issues arise, you can:
- Use poultices or specialty products for removing stains from granite
- Do repairing chips in granite with epoxy (or hire a pro for invisible repairs)
- Restore shine through polishing granite surfaces or professional honing
Because it’s a solid natural stone, granite can often be refinished and restored instead of replaced.
Maintaining quartz
Quartz is marketed as low-maintenance for good reason:
- No sealing required – the resin makes it non-porous
- Resists most food and drink stains
- Cleans easily with mild soap and water
The trade-off:
- Resins can be damaged by direct high heat, so trivets are important
- Deep burns or heavy damage can be harder to repair invisibly than with natural stone
Maintenance verdict:
If you never want to think about sealing, quartz is “better” for you. If occasional sealing and the option to refinish appeal to you, granite remains very practical.
For a more opinion-driven take, you can also read:
Is quartz better than granite?
Durability: Granite vs Quartz (and Other Stones)
Granite vs quartz durability
Both quartz and granite are very strong, but they shine in slightly different ways.
- Granite
- Excellent heat resistance
- Very scratch-resistant
- Robust enough for serious cooking and busy households
- Quartz
- Highly scratch-resistant
- Great stain resistance due to non-porous surface
- Less tolerant of direct high heat
Granite vs marble: pros and cons
- Marble
- Softer and more porous
- Etches easily from acids like wine, vinegar, and citrus
- Granite
- More durable in daily use
- Less likely to show every spill and mishap
- Better suited to high-traffic kitchens
Granite vs soapstone durability
- Soapstone
- Non-porous and extremely stain-resistant
- Softer and more likely to scratch or dent
- Often needs oiling to maintain its look
- Granite
- Harder and more scratch-resistant
- Maintains a polished finish with relatively low effort
Granite better than concrete countertops
- Concrete
- Very porous and prone to hairline cracks
- Requires careful sealing and reinforcement
- Granite
- Naturally dense and strong
- Easier to maintain long-term
In most natural stone countertop comparison scenarios, granite offers one of the best balances of durability, beauty, and practicality.
Style: White Granite Countertop, Black Granite Countertops & Beyond
Even where quartz and granite cost about the same, many people choose granite for the look alone.
The appeal of granite stone
Because granite is natural, no two slabs are the same. That gives you:
- Unique white granite countertop options that brighten the room and pair well with light or mid-tone cabinets
- Rich black granite countertops that create dramatic contrast with white cabinets or light flooring
- Everything in between—taupes, greys, blues, and multi-colored stones
You can also play with:
- Granite backsplash designs (4″ splash, full-height slab, or a mix of tile and stone)
- Clever pairing granite with cabinet colors
- Warm-toned granite with warm wood or cream cabinets
- Cool-toned granite with greys and navy
- Bold contrast, like black granite with white shaker cabinets, for a modern look
Quartz is excellent when you want a perfectly consistent aesthetic, but granite’s depth, veining, and mineral sparkle are hard to imitate.
Where to Buy Granite Countertops & How Aardwolf Fits In
If you decide that granite is the right choice—or at least deserves a serious look—it’s time to think about sourcing and product quality.
Where to buy granite countertops
You can shop:
- Local fabricators and showrooms – custom guidance and fabrication
- Wholesale granite suppliers – the best place to hand-select slabs
- Big-box stores – simplified packages and some affordable granite countertop options
When comparing quotes, always factor in:
- Edge details
- Number of cutouts
- Seam placements
- Installation and warranty
Aardwolf granite: premium slabs and professional services
The Aardwolf granite countertop collection helps make the process smoother:
- Aardwolf premium granite slabs are carefully selected for quality and attractive patterning.
- The range includes many of the best Aardwolf granite colors, tailored to modern and classic designs alike.
- Aardwolf granite installation services provide professional templating, cutting, seam layout, and correct initial sealing.
- The Aardwolf granite pricing guide helps you understand price tiers and choose the right stone for your budget and style.
With that framework, you can directly compare a real granite quote to quartz instead of guessing which will cost more.
So… Which Is Better, Quartz or Granite?
There’s no single winner for everyone, but here’s a simple way to think about it:
Choose quartz if you:
- Want no sealing, ever
- Prefer extremely consistent color and pattern
- Don’t often move extremely hot pots from stove to countertop
Choose granite if you:
- Love the look and story of natural stone
- Want excellent heat resistance and proven durability
- Don’t mind occasional sealing and the option to refinish, repair, and repolish instead of replace
- Enjoy unique slabs—from a bright white granite countertop to bold black granite countertops
If you’re still comparing purely on price, performance, or long-term value, these related guides are useful next steps: