Taj Mahal Quartzite (Natural) vs. IvoryTaj (MSI) Quartz
Taj Mahal quartzite is one of the most requested countertops we install in Virginia. MSI’s IvoryTaj Quartz was designed to give the same warm, creamy look in an engineered surface. They look alike from across the room, but they are very different materials. Here is how they compare, so you can choose the one that fits the way you cook and live.
The quick answer
- Choose Taj Mahal quartzite if you want a one-of-a-kind natural stone, the best heat resistance, and you don’t mind sealing about once a year.
- Choose IvoryTaj Quartz if you want the Taj Mahal look with no sealing, a lighter ivory tone, and a pattern that stays consistent from slab to slab.
What each one is
Taj Mahal quartzite is a natural stone quarried in Brazil. It has a creamy off-white to ivory background with soft taupe and light gold veins. Every slab is different, so you pick your exact slab and we lay out the seams with you.
IvoryTaj Quartz is part of MSI’s Q+ line, an engineered stone made with crushed natural minerals and resin on a recycled glass base. MSI describes it as having a light ivory background with flowing waves of warm sandy tones, and the pattern runs through the full body of the slab. It comes in polished and brushed finishes, in 2 cm and 3 cm jumbo slabs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Taj Mahal quartzite | IvoryTaj Quartz (MSI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural stone | Engineered stone (MSI Q+) |
| Look | Creamy ivory with taupe and gold veins; every slab unique | Lighter ivory with soft sandy waves; consistent from slab to slab |
| Heat | Handles heat very well (we still suggest trivets) | Use trivets or hot pads for pots straight from the stove or oven |
| Scratches | Very hard; harder than granite | Resists scratches and everyday wear |
| Stains and sealing | Needs sealing, about once a year | Non-porous; never needs sealing |
| Finishes | Polished, honed or leathered (depends on the slab) | Polished or brushed |
| Seams and matching | We match the veins at the seams during layout | Bookmatch available; easy to match long runs |
| Typical installed price* | $70 – $150 per sq ft | Ask for a quote (MSI lists IvoryTaj in its premium price tier) |
*Typical range at Granite Vision. Your price depends on the slab, square footage, edge profile and sink cutouts.
Which one should you choose?
You cook a lot and want natural stone
Taj Mahal quartzite is the better pick. It handles heat near the range better than engineered stone, and many owners love that no one else has the same slab.
You want low maintenance
IvoryTaj Quartz is the easier choice. It never needs sealing and resists stains and etching from things like lemon, wine and coffee.
You want a perfect match across a big kitchen
IvoryTaj Quartz’s consistent pattern makes long runs and large islands easy to match. With Taj Mahal, we help you choose slabs and plan the seams so the veins flow naturally.
Outdoor kitchens
For outdoor kitchens, natural quartzite is usually the safer choice, because engineered surfaces with resin are generally not recommended for direct sun. Ask us about your space.
See both in person
Creamy colors look different under your own lighting, so we always recommend seeing samples before you decide. You can see samples at our showrooms in Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, and choose your exact Taj Mahal slab in our 15,000 sq ft indoor slab yard. We measure with digital laser templating, cut every piece on our water jet CNC in our own shop, and install 5–7 days after templating with a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Request a free estimate and tell us you are deciding between Taj Mahal quartzite and IvoryTaj Quartz. Or browse more stone colors.