Taj Mahal Quartzite

Known as a crown jewel when it comes to natural stones, Taj Mahal Quartzite offers both the beauty of marble and the durability of granite. Its soft white backdrop has dramatic swirls and waves that often come in gold colors. It has generally warm tones and also features beige, creamy tan, or sandier taupe marbling. But overall, it has a light color that works well in neutral-toned spaces.

Type: Natural Stone
Series: Quartzite
Origin: Brazil
Shade Variation: Medium
Avg. Length: 120-135″
Avg. Width: 70-80″
Thickness: 2cm, 3cm
Backlit: Yes
Bookmatch: Yes
Finishes: Honed, Brushed, Polished, Leathered
Colors: Cream, Beige, Taupe, Brown, Gray, White
Usage: Exterior, Interior
taj mahal quartzite

Taj Mahal Quartzite: Pros & Cons, Installation, Maintenance, Alternatives, & Design Tips

The name of Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops is based on India’s ivory-white marble mausoleum because the stone’s colors resemble that of India’s historic architecture. But although it resembles marble, it is commonly mistaken for granite.

Also, Taj Mahal stones are not really quarried in India but in Brazil like most quartzite stones. Quite confusing isn’t it? Let’s find out more interesting information about this exotic stone including its colors, cost, pros and cons, installation, maintenance, alternatives, and a few design tips here!

What Color Is Taj Mahal Quartzite?

taj mahal quartzite slab

 

Taj Mahal Quartzite slabs are perfect for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. This is because of their unique soft cream, beige, tan, and taupe tones with subtle gold, white, gray, or light brown veining in various patterns.

Some even come in hues of white, green, purple, and pink (only a few slabs contain pink colors). This is why they are considered among the crown jewels when it comes to natural stone countertops.

These stones are also known for their striking striations, swirls, and dramatic veins that are similar to marble (though some stones can be fairly quiet). Plus, their subdued characteristics can complement nearly any design aesthetic without appearing too overwhelming. Overall, they are light in color which works great in warm and neutral-tone kitchens and bathrooms.

Taj Mahal Quartzite Cost

The price of Taj Mahal quartzite can range from $45 to $185+ per square foot. Stones with lots of movement and color cost the most. The type of finish can also affect the final cost. For instance, leathered and honed options tend to be more expensive than polished options.

Moreover, installed Taj Mahal stones can go twice as much as the material costs. And according to Fixr.com, this stone has among the highest installation costs among other types of quartzite with a 30-sq.ft. of Taj Mahal quartzite costing around $6,300.

Also, take note that the stone’s cost will depend on the grade of the slab you are going to buy as well as the complexity of the installation. More attractive options with a richer color palette and installations that require a lot of cutting will be more expensive.

NOTE: We don’t recommend installing your stone countertop on your own just to save money because even one mistake can ruin your expensive slabs and compromise the entire project. Hiring an expert would still be the wisest and most cost-effective thing to do.

Pros and Cons of Taj Mahal Quartzite

pros and cons of taj mahal quartzite

 

Taj Mahal quartzites can give you the luxurious appeal of marble with the durability of granite. They are also easier to maintain and can increase the value of your home. However, they also have their drawbacks like their high price and their need for regular sealing as discussed below:

Pros

1. More Affordable Alternative to Marble

Taj Mahal quartzites are highly sought-after stones because they mimic the beauty of white marble. So if you love the luxurious look of marble but want a more durable alternative, Taj Mahal stones would be great options to add class to your kitchen, bathrooms, floors, or walls. Their natural patterns and veining are perfect for sophisticated interior designs.

2. Many Color Options

These stones often come in various color combinations in earthly tones including white, black, and gray. But, beige tones are the most popular options as they create a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere in your home.

3. Durability

Many people would choose granite due to its durability, but Taj Mahal quartzite is actually stronger with a 7 hardness rating on the Mohs scale compared to granite’s 6-6.5 rating. It’s also denser and less porous than granite which makes it more heat, UV, stain, and scratch-resistant.

    • Heat-Resistant – It can withstand high temperatures so placing hot utensils on it won’t easily damage it.

    • UV-Resistant – It won’t fade over time because UV radiation won’t affect its color which makes it ideal even for outdoor applications.

    • Stain-Resistant – It’s less porous compared to other natural stones so removing stains is easier.

    • Scratch-Resistant – It’s hard so it won’t be easily scratched under normal household use. It’s also resistant to etching given that you seal your countertop properly.

4. Easy Maintenance

Unlike marble countertops that are hard to care for, sealed Taj Mahal quartzites can resist damage better and are easier to maintain because they are stronger and less porous. They are resistant to bacteria and mold too. Plus, soapy water is enough to make your countertop clean and shiny again.

5. Increased Home Value

If you put enough effort into renovating your kitchen, your investment will be worth it in the long run. A properly maintained Taj Mahal quartzite countertop can increase your home’s value if you’re planning to rent or sell your house in the future.

Cons

1. Expensive

All quartzites including Taj Mahal slabs can be expensive since they are natural stones and are less available in nature. Also, Taj Mahal quartzite slabs are at the higher end of the spectrum compared to other quartzite varieties.

2. Requires Regular Sealing

Just like any other natural stone, you need to seal your countertop annually for enhanced protection against stains and other damages. This ensures that your countertop will last for a long time.

3. Not for DIYers

Quartzites are not recommended for DIY installation because they are heavy, dense, and hard. They are better left to the professionals who have the right tools to ensure proper installation.

Taj Mahal Quartzite Installation Tips

As we’ve said before, installing Taj Mahal countertops is not for DIYers. But for you to have an idea why it is better done by a skilled countertop installer, below are a few installation tips we can give you:

Cutting and Shaping

    • Use the right tools and supplies that are compatible with quartzite to make the process much smoother and achieve the best results. This means that you’ll need special tools like diamond blades and core bits as well as polishing pads that are designed for cutting and shaping hard materials.

    • Drilling is another important aspect of installing Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops because you need to cut the holes for faucets and other accessories. This can be easily done when using the proper core bit to cut the holes seamlessly.

Reinforcement

Reinforcing your stone countertop is crucial to prevent breaking or cracking. The Natural Stone Institute has recommended reinforcement techniques in their residential stone countertop installation guideline:

    • Rodding – Involves cutting a shallow kerf in the stone slab’s underside and then fitting it with a fiberglass or metal rod before covering it with epoxy.

    • Splines – Seams are splined together using a stainless steel or steel key such as a large washer before encapsulation.

    • Liner Blocks – Reinforcing seams and vulnerable areas by placing a liner block of stone underneath the slab.

    • Fiberglass Mesh – Adding a fiberglass mesh to the stone’s back to support it.

Initial Sealing

The final step after the installation is sealing. Countertop fabrication and installation services often include initial sealing to boost the finished product’s resilience.

Taj Mahal Quartzite Care and Maintenance Tips

Like all quartzites, Taj Mahal stones are durable but proper care and maintenance will ensure that your countertop will last as long as you expected it to. Here are key care and maintenance tips you can follow:

    • Use hot pads, trivets, cutting boards, and coasters. Quartzites may be durable, but it’s better to avoid putting hot objects and cutting directly on your countertop.

    • Blot and wipe up spills immediately. Quartzites are still porous so liquids might react with the stone’s mineral content and cause stains. Don’t let water stay too long on the surface even if it is sealed to avoid stains.

    • Seal your countertop annually. Better use high-quality sealers to help your countertop repel water better and make it more stain-resistant.

    • Clean your countertop daily using soapy water and a microfiber cloth to prevent the accumulation of impurities, dust, and dirt.

    • Avoid using abrasive objects and strong cleaning agents including vinegar. Taj Mahal stones are scratch-resistant, but microscopic damages can develop when you use abrasive materials/substances. Also, only use pH-balanced cleaning solutions.

    • You can polish your countertop to amplify its intended shine. Polishing can help in preventing particles that cause dulling from sticking to the surface. You can do this 1-2 times a month.

    • You can remove stubborn stains by making a baking soda paste and spreading it over the stain. Cover the area with plastic wrap until the stain is lifted before wiping it clean.

Taj Mahal Quartzite Alternatives

If the price of Taj Mahal stones is out of your budget, you can still stick with cheaper quartzite alternatives that can offer a similar look and quality. Below are some alternatives you might want to check out:

1. Sea Pearl Quartzite

sea pearl quartzite slab

 

Sea Pearl is a blend of different shades of white and multi-toned grays that range from charcoal to frost gray which gives off a classy pearlescent look. It often has a gray backdrop with darker gently moving gray veins that flow like waves of an ocean.

This stone complements luxurious colors like silver and bronze well. If you are into ocean or beach house-themed design, this stone would be a great pick.

2. White Macaubas Quartzite

white macaubas quartizte countertop

 

This quartzite also has a white background (sometimes sandy off-white) with random linear beige and charcoal veining. There are also those that have hints of gold which adds to the beauty of the stone. If you want a Taj Mahal alternative with a simpler pattern, White Macaubas is for you.

3. Perla Venata Quartzite

perla venata quartzite slab

 

This Brazilian quartzite is found in the same place as Taj Mahal so it will have Taj Mahal’s creamy white backdrop but with lighter veins. Taj Mahal has mostly white and subtle veins, but Perla Venata offers more personality featuring more warmth and artful striations due to its sand-colored veins.

4. Calacatta Quartz

calacatta quartz countertop and backsplash

 

The last alternative we can give you is Calacatta quartz (NOT quartzite so it’s cheaper). It resembles that Calacatta marble that features a deep white color with thick veins that vary from real gold to beige. Calacatta quartz, on the other hand, is characterized by the same dazzling white background but with delicate veins in brown, grey, or gold

You can always go for cheaper stone alternatives other than quartzite like marble if you want a similar look or granite which offers similar hardiness.

Design Tips and Tricks

Lastly, we’re going to share with you a few design tips when installing Taj Mahal quartzites to get the best color and material combinations for your kitchen or bathroom. Below are the recommended backsplash materials and color options that will go well with these stones:

What Backsplash Goes With Taj Mahal Quartzite?

First of all, using the same type of quartzite (Taj Mahal in this case) as your backsplash would be the most suitable option. You won’t need to worry about color matching and designing this way and it’s cheaper than the following other options:

    • Ceramic Tiles – This would be the most recommended alternative as they come in many colors, shapes, and patterns that can match Taj Mahal’s colors.

    • Porcelain Tiles – A more durable option than ceramic tiles, but with fewer color and shape options.

    • Stone Tiles – Another durable option that comes in different patterns and colors but are more expensive than ceramic and porcelain tiles.

    • Stainless Steel – An easy-to-clean and durable backsplash that reflects light well which makes the space more welcoming.

    • Mirrored Backsplash – Perfect if you have a small kitchen as it will make the area appear bigger and doesn’t require sealing.

What Colors of Cabinets Work Best With Taj Mahal Quartzite?

When it comes to cabinet colors, here are among the best recommendations we can give you:

    • Cream, beige, or off-white cabinets complement the warmer tones in the stone well and will create a clean and homier all-white kitchen.

    • If you want more color, shades of navy blue would create a classy look and makes a great combination with Taj Mahal’s beige and tan tones for a timeless appeal.

    • You can also try bright blue or blue with a gray undertone to make the design more neutral. Add copper or brass accessories to create a nice contrast while highlighting the gold and brown tones in the stone. You can also use silver or brushed nickel accessories for a more classy look.

    • Taj Mahal’s warm tones can also complement most shades of natural wood cabinetry.

Other Design Tips

Here are other design tips that you can follow to complete the look of your kitchen or bathroom:

    • Add furniture with detailed craftsmanship and carvings including cabinet handles with fascinating textures and tones.

    • Use antique accents such as ceramic jars and glass bottles to hold kitchen staples.

    • Go with warm colors and use brass fixture materials.

    • Chandeliers and glass tiles would also help bring out the quartzite’s richness.

If you want to go for a rustic look, pair your countertop with the following:

    • Dark-toned drawer and cabinet knobs and pulls

    • Distressed-looking furniture

    • Natural wood shelving

    • A stone with a leathered finish (polished Taj Mahal creates a more contemporary atmosphere)

FAQs

Is Taj Mahal an expensive quartzite?

Yes, quartzites are more expensive than granite and marble in the first place because quartzite quarries are rare which makes them less available. They are also more expensive to fabricate and install since they are harder than other natural stones.

In addition, bright and white quartzites that look like marble such as Taj Mahal are naturally high in demand which makes them more expensive. However, your investment will surely be worth it considering the timeless beauty and durability of these stones that increase your home’s resale value.

Is Taj Mahal quartzite a good choice?

Absolutely yes! With this stone, you’ll get the luxurious beauty of marble but in a more durable option. Taj Mahal stones are extremely compact and are more heat, stain, UV, and scratch-resistant.

Is Taj Mahal quartzite real quartzite?

Yes, Taj Mahal quartzite slabs are fully re-crystallized stones made from natural quartzite. They are formed through exposure to high pressures and temperatures making them hard and dense so they are ideal for countertops that are used regularly.

Final Thoughts

For those who are looking for a more durable alternative to elegant marble, Taj Mahal Quartzite for kitchens and bathrooms would be the best way to go. Although they are still expensive like any natural stone, they can give you the classy but resilient countertop you’re dreaming of. If you’re looking into customizing your countertop and need a professional installer in Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs, Saint Johns, St. Augustine, or other areas in Northeast Florida, feel free to contact us!

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