Quartzite Countertop Disclosure and Acknowledgement
Quartzite is a beautiful, natural material, but its unique composition requires clients to be aware of certain characteristics and maintenance requirements. By signing below, you acknowledge and accept the natural properties, expected wear, and care requirements of the material you have chosen.
Understanding Your Quartzite:
Quartzite is a stunning metamorphic rock that is highly sought after, but its unique structure makes it different from materials like granite. Please be aware of the following inherent characteristics:
Porous Structure and Natural Wear: Many lighter-colored quartzites are less dense and more porous. Due to these natural mineralogical characteristics, your countertops may be prone to staining, etching, oxidation, and showing absorption of water and oils. The stone will naturally wear, age, and distress with normal, everyday use.
Brittle Structure & Resin Stabilization: The crystalline structure of quartzite makes it a more brittle stone. To enhance stability and appearance, natural or synthetic resins are infused into the slab by the quarry/distributor before it reaches Russo Stone Design.
Susceptibility to Etching: The resins used to stabilize the stone can make it particularly susceptible to etching. When acidic liquids (like wine, citrus, or strong cleaners) are not immediately wiped up, they can leave a dulling or "ghosted" etch mark.
Fissures (Natural Cracks): It is typical for quartzite slabs to contain natural fissures (inherent geological cracks). Fissures are often visible and may be detectable to the touch. Fissures are an inherent characteristic of the material and are not considered a latent defect or product damage.
Natural Imperfections: Natural stone can consist of inclusions, blemishes, minor fissures, voids, and many other natural characteristics that cannot be avoided when laying out the slab for fabrication.
Fabrication and Installation Process:
Due to the nature of quartzite, our process includes extra steps that may impact your project timeline.
Extended Lead Time & Water Absorption: Production often requires extra time. We cut the stone in a wet environment, and the material needs a drying period. Stones can absorb water during the fabrication process. This may take days, weeks, or months to fully dry. Water absorption can also occur after installation when the stone is in use (e.g., around sink cutouts and faucets). Russo Stone Design has no way of knowing which stones will absorb water prior to ordering/cutting/fabricating/installing and cannot control this natural characteristic of stone if it occurs.
Sealer Application: The Russo Stone Design team applies sealer at multiple stages—both in our shop and during the field installation—to help slow the rate of absorption.
Seam Placement & Bleeding: The location and quantity of seams are determined at the discretion of Russo Stone Design. "Bleeding" can occur when the stone absorbs resins or other products used to join two pieces of stone together at the seams (including mitered cuts/edges). The area around the seam/joint will be slightly darker as the resin bleeds into the stone. This is mostly unforeseeable.
Essential Care & Maintenance:
To mitigate potential issues, diligence and immediate care is necessary. Your stone requires sealing a minimum of 1 time per year (or more frequently, as needed).
DO Clean up ALL spills and liquids immediately with a wet cloth.
DO Always use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
DO Always use coasters under glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus.
DO Clean surfaces regularly with mild soap and water only.
DO NOT use acidic cleaners (e.g., vinegar, bleach, ammonia, bathroom/grout/tub cleaners).
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners (e.g., scouring powders, dry or soft cleansers).
DO NOT use alkaline cleaners unless specifically formulated for natural stone.
DO NOT leave standing water around the sinks and faucets.
DO NOT place toiletry products (which contain damaging chemicals) directly on the surface. Use a tray.
Warranty and Liability Disclaimer:
The natural stone material itself (including Marble, Quartzite, Granite, and Limestone) is not covered by a material/product warranty.
This lack of warranty specifically covers issues related to: liquid absorption, staining, etching, discoloration, oxidation, natural fissures, or damage resulting from the stone's inherent characteristics.
Russo Stone Design provides a craftsmanship warranty only on the installation and labor.
Natural Liability: Russo Stone Design cannot be held liable for the natural characteristics of any natural stone during any step of the fabrication & installation process. This includes post-installation as well.
Heat & Thermal Shock: While the stone can handle an extreme amount of heat, it cannot take rapid temperature changes. This rapid change can cause thermal shocking to the stone, which can cause cracking due to the release of pressure, particularly at the corners.
Damage: Natural stone can become damaged from daily usage or accidents (e.g., dropping a pan, impact to the edge, dragging items, etc.). Russo Stone Design is not responsible or liable for the natural characteristics of the stone, or its use by the client.
Russo Stone Design shall not be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages relating to the use of this chosen material.
Client Acknowledgement and Waiver:
I have been fully educated on the distinct, unique characteristics and maintenance requirements of the natural quartzite material I have selected. I understand that the material may vary in color, veining, and other characteristics.
I understand and accept:
That my stone is naturally susceptible to staining, etching, and liquid absorption with normal daily use.
That Russo Stone Design's warranty covers only the workmanship and installation and specifically excludes any warranty for the natural stone material or its inherent traits, including fissures, natural imperfections and absorption traits.
That I am requesting and authorizing the use of this stone for my countertop surface despite these known characteristics and risks.