QUARTZ

Quartz, also known as engineered stone, are man-made granite-like slabs primarily used for kitchen countertops. They share similarities with granite in terms of hardness, polish, and exceptional resistance to scratches. Consumer Reports consistently rates quartz countertops highly, making them the fastest growing segment in the countertop industry.

To create quartz surfaces, quartz, the toughest component of granite, is combined with polymers and pigments. The mixture is then subjected to intense pressure, resulting in slabs that are composed of 93% quartz. The manufacturing process for all quartz slabs is essentially the same, with brand differences mainly lying in color, texture, and pattern. Well-known brands include CaesarStone®, Cambria®, Silestone®, and Corian Quartz®. Our showroom displays and offers samples of all four brands for your convenience.

Compared to natural stone, engineered stone countertops possess several advantages. The presence of polymers makes them non-porous, ensuring high stain resistance. Quartz countertops never require sealing or resealing and are approved for food preparation by NSF International. They offer superior strength, especially in narrow sink areas. Our chosen quartz manufacturers provide material warranties ranging from ten to fifteen years, and detailed information can be found on their respective websites or provided upon request.

However, one aspect where quartz countertops may be considered less favorable than granite is their vulnerability to excessive heat due to the polymers making them nonporous. Excessive heat is defined as repeated exposure to temperatures exceeding 400 degrees. It is advisable to avoid placing hot pans directly from a cooking surface onto a quartz countertop and instead use a trivet to prevent any damage.

QUARTZ FAQ

Quartz is a crystalline form of silicon dioxide and the second most common mineral on Earth. It is typically found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and can be colored by impurities, resulting in variations such as amethyst, citrine, and cairngorm. Quartz is abundant and durable, with various applications ranging from electronics to building materials.

Quartz is distributed worldwide, with Arkansas and Brazil being significant sources of natural quartz mines. The largest natural quartz crystal, weighing 44 tons, was discovered in Brazil. Quartz can be found on mountain tops, beaches, rivers, and deserts, often in high quantities on their surfaces. Although quartz is widespread, finding pure, high-quality quartz crystals is rare. The Spruce Pine Gem Mine in North Carolina is one of the few locations known for highly pure quartz mining. India also has substantial deposits of clear quartz.

Quartz is extensively utilized in glassmaking and is an essential ingredient in fiberglass production. Due to its hardness, quartz is an excellent abrasive material used in sandblasting and manufacturing sandpaper. It is commonly used as a filler in paint and rubber products and finds application in the railroad industry for traction purposes. Quartz is also present in many electronic devices such as watches, televisions, and cellphones. This mineral is incredibly diverse, coming in various colors and forms, making it one of the most valuable natural substances.

Quartz, also known as “engineered stone,” is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, making it an exceptionally durable option for countertops in homes. Unlike natural stone slabs, quartz countertops are manufactured in factories. Here are some reasons why people love quartz countertops:

  1. They offer a wide range of colors, including bright red, lime green, as well as popular neutral shades like brown, black, and cream.
  2. Quartz is less likely to crack or chip compared to granite or marble due to its superior strength.
  3. It is a non-porous material, preventing the harboring of bacteria in tiny cracks, unlike other countertop materials.
  4. Quartz is highly resistant to stains, with substances like oil, juice, wine, tomato, and coffee having no effect on its color.

Quartz countertops are primarily composed of 93% ground quartz, which is combined with polyester resins for binding. Pigments are added to provide color variations. Quartz offers an attractive aesthetic in kitchens, with some designs even incorporating small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks.

Thanks to their durability and special resins mixed during production, quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains. Being nonporous, staining substances do not settle into small pores, preventing discoloration.

Quartz is one of the most durable countertop surfaces available and is resistant to scratching under normal usage. However, like any surface, extreme abuse can cause damage. To maintain its shine and luster, it is recommended to use a cutting board when using knives.

Quartz countertops are low maintenance compared to granite, which often requires a new protective top coat at least once a year. Quartz surfaces never need to be sealed, unlike some natural stone options.

Quartz exhibits better heat resistance compared to laminate surfaces like Formica. However, when compared to granite or other stone countertops, quartz is not as heat resistant. Care should be taken to avoid placing hot pans directly from the oven onto a quartz countertop. The resin component of quartz surfaces makes them susceptible to damage.