What is Quartz?
Quartz is a mineral that is found abundantly in nature. It is comprised of silicon and oxygen atoms and is one of the most common minerals found in the Earth’s continental crust. Natural quartz can come in a variety of colors and types depending on the mineral impurities present. Some natural quartz varieties include:
- Rock crystal – Colorless and transparent
- Amethyst – Purple variety
- Citrine – Yellow variety
- Rose quartz – Pink variety
So in its pure natural form, quartz is 100% a natural stone. However, quartz used for countertops is engineered and is not completely natural.
Engineered Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are made from engineered stone. Engineered stone is made from about 90-94% ground natural quartz and 6-10% polymer resins and pigments. Additional materials like recycled glass or mirrors may also be added.
The natural quartz is mined, crushed into a fine powder, and then combined with the resins and other materials. The mixture is molded into slabs which are then polished into the finished countertop product.
So while the main component of engineered quartz is a natural stone, the final product has been heavily processed and contains man-made materials as well. The polymer resins are needed to hold the crushed quartz together and give the countertops hardness, durability, and flexibility.
Reasons Engineered Quartz Resembles Natural Stone
Although not 100% natural stone, quartz countertops do mimic natural stone in the following ways:
- Appearance – The ground quartz gives the appearance of natural stone with natural looking swirls, speckles, and veins. Stones like granite and marble can be closely imitated.
- Hardness – Natural quartz rates around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. The engineered version also has excellent hardness and durability due to the resin binders.
- Maintenance – Requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. No need to regularly seal or polish like granite.
- Stain resistance – The polymer resins make quartz highly resistant to stains which can affect natural stones.
Key Differences From Natural Stone
Despite the similarities, there are some key differences between engineered quartz and natural stone:
- Heat resistance – Natural stones like granite and marble are more heat resistant. Quartz resins can lose integrity above 300°F.
- Non-porous – Natural stone is porous but quartz resins fill pores making it non-porous. This leads to lower bacterial growth.
- Consistency – Natural stone has unique natural variations. Engineered quartz has a more uniform look since it is factory produced.
- Colors/patterns – Natural stones are limited to natural colors/patterns. Engineered quartz offers more variety.
- Edges – Natural stone requires extra processing forrounded/beveled edges. Quartz can be precisely molded with any edge profile.
Is Quartz Considered a Natural Stone?
Based on the production process and man-made resin content, quartz is not considered 100% natural stone. It is an engineered stone composite material. The use of ground natural quartz does give it a strong resemblance to natural stone but the polymer content makes quartz countertops a man-made product.
However, the performance advantages of quartz over natural stone are clear. The resins make quartz countertops highly durable, low maintenance, stain resistant, and ideal for kitchen and bath applications. For homeowners that want the look of natural stone with added practical benefits, engineered quartz countertops are an excellent option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops
Are quartz countertops better than granite?
Quartz and granite each have their pros and cons. Quartz is harder, more stain resistant, and requires less maintenance. Granite is naturally heat resistant and some people prefer its unique natural stone appearance. Overall, quartz performs better for most kitchen uses.
How long do quartz countertops last?
With proper care, quartz countertops can last many years. The resins make it highly scratch, chip, and stain resistant. Typical lifespan ranges from 15-25 years or longer before replacement may be needed.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, quartz has excellent hardness and durability, making it safe for cutting. Always use a cutting board though to protect the surface. The non-porous resins prevent bacteria buildup from raw meats.
Are quartz countertops toxic?
Quartz has very low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and is considered non-toxic. The polymer resins used are modern food-safe formulations. Quartz emits extremely low chemical emissions and is safe for food prep surfaces.
How much do quartz countertops cost installed?
Installed costs typically range from $80-150 per square foot, with the final price depending on the slab quality, edge treatments, and local labor costs. Quartz is competitive with natural stones when all installation factors are included.
Conclusion
While not a 100% natural stone, engineered quartz effectively imitates the appearance and performance of natural stones like granite and marble. The polymer resins mixed with crushed quartz make quartz countertops durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for kitchen and bath design. For those desiring the look of stone with added practical benefits, quartz counters offer the best of both worlds.