Black Quartz Countertops: Calacatta Black, Nero Marquina and What to Know

By Kris Lamberth, Stone Specialist at USA Granite

"Black quartz" means different things to different people. Some picture a jet-black counter. Others picture a white counter with dramatic black veins. Both are popular, and it helps to know which one you're after before you start shopping.

Here is the honest picture. Engineered quartz comes in black-and-white patterns very well. If you want a surface that is truly solid black, natural granite is usually the better answer, and we'll point you to it below. Everything in this guide is sold by the square foot from our SlabSmart program at the Dallas slab yard, unless we say otherwise.

First, decide what "black" means to you

Mostly white with black veins. Bright, high-contrast and very Calacatta. The room stays light.
Mostly black with white veins. Moody and dramatic. The stone becomes the focal point.
Solid black, little or no pattern. Quiet and graphic. Quartz in this look is something to ask us about, but our in-stock solid black is natural granite.

Our two in-stock black quartz slabs

Both are engineered quartz, so there's no sealing, and both are in stock now. We have a full side-by-side in Nero Marquina vs. Calacatta Black Quartz, so here is just what you need to know to start.

Calacatta Black Quartz: white with bold black veins

→ View Calacatta Black Quartz

A full Calacatta Black Quartz slab.

This is the one most people mean when they search "white and black quartz countertops." The surface is light and the veins are deep black, which makes it a striking centerpiece for a kitchen or a custom bathroom vanity. Because most of the slab is white, it keeps a room open.

A white quartz island with black veining in front of dark espresso cabinets, a stainless cooktop and a pale tile backsplash

Calacatta Black Quartz with dark cabinets.

Best for: one big feature, like an island or waterfall, and dark-cabinet kitchens that need a bright top.

Nero Marquina Quartz: black with sharp white veins

→ View Nero Marquina Quartz

Close-up of Nero Marquina quartz, a deep black surface crossed by thin white veins

Nero Marquina Quartz up close.

This is the closest we have in quartz to a true black counter: a deep black background with thin, sharp white veins. It suits a sleek, modern kitchen or a bold bathroom, and it looks especially good where the pattern can run uninterrupted, like a backsplash or island panel.

A black island and backsplash with sharp white veining, a golden side panel, white bar stools and slim pendant lights

Nero Marquina Quartz in a styled kitchen.

Best for: a dark, dramatic island or backsplash with warm metals and light floors.

Want solid black? Look at granite

If your goal is the blackest counter you can get, with little pattern, natural granite is where we'd send you. Black Pearl Granite is in stock and is granite, not quartz. It has a deep black background with subtle mineral specks, and the slabs come with a polished side for a glossy look and a leathered side for a soft, textured finish.

A close-up of a Black Pearl granite surface in a leathered finish, matte charcoal with soft silver-gray flecks beside a gas cooktop

Black Pearl Granite with a leathered finish.

Our Black Pearl Granite guide covers polished versus leathered, color, care and lighting in detail. For more dark stones, including other granites, see black countertops for a kitchen island.

A black speckled granite countertop with a glossy surface in front of a black chevron tile backsplash and wood-look cabinets

Black Pearl Granite in a styled kitchen.

What to know before you buy black quartz

Matte or polished? People often search for matte black quartz. Finishes vary by stone, so ask us what's available on the slab you like rather than assuming. If a soft, matte look is the priority, our leathered natural stones are worth a look too.

Dark surfaces show things. Black shows dust, water spots and fingerprints more than a mid-tone does. That's true of any dark stone. Wipe-downs with mild soap and water keep it looking clean, and good lighting helps.

Quartz needs no sealing, but respect the heat. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing. Use trivets for hot pans, as you would on any quartz.

Keep it indoors. Engineered quartz isn't recommended outdoors, because direct sun can fade it. For an outdoor kitchen, choose natural granite.

Look at the full slab. Veining changes from slab to slab, so a small sample won't show you the whole pattern. Come see the real slabs.

What does it cost? Black quartz pricing depends on the stone, how much surface you're covering, edge profiles, cutouts, and features like waterfall sides. Because our in-stock stones are sold by the square foot, you pay for what your layout needs. For a ballpark, read countertop costs in Dallas, or ask for a free in-home estimate.

Black stone in DFW homes

Black and white is a natural fit for the many newer open-plan homes around Dallas–Fort Worth, where one dramatic island can anchor a big room. Pair white veining with brass or gold fixtures, or black veining with white cabinets for a crisp look. If your cabinets are dark, see countertops for dark cabinets. And if you're planning a waterfall edge, our waterfall island guide shows how the veining wraps.

Frequently asked questions

Is there such a thing as solid black quartz? Quartz is engineered, so manufacturers make many colors, and a solid black is possible in the category. Our in-stock options for a black counter are Nero Marquina Quartz (black with white veins) and, for solid black, Black Pearl Granite. Ask us if you'd like to see what else we can source.

Is black quartz or black granite better? Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing. Granite is natural, can go outdoors, and offers true solid black. Neither is wrong; it depends on the look and where it's going. See quartzite vs. quartz for more on the materials.

Are Calacatta Black and Nero Marquina in stock? Yes. Both are on our SlabSmart list at the Dallas slab yard and sold by the square foot.

Can I get a black stone that isn't on your list? Yes. We source full slabs from partner suppliers and fabricate and install them. Those are not in stock, so ask us about timing.

Does black quartz show scratches and stains? Quartz resists staining well because it's non-porous. Dark stone can show dust and marks more easily, so keep a cloth handy.