Quartz countertops with an agate look are growing in popularity for their natural beauty and durability. Though quartz is engineered, when made with the right minerals, it can convincingly imitate the appearance of natural stone like agate. Let’s explore who makes these gorgeous countertops and how they achieve the agate aesthetic.
What is Agate?
Agate is a stunningly beautiful natural stone prized for its banded, multicolored look. It forms when silica deposits fill cavities in volcanic rock. Over time, the silica forms colorful bands, making each agate unique. Agates can display various colors like red, blue, yellow, green, brown, and white.
The distinctive banded agate pattern gives quartz countertops visual depth and interest. Homeowners love agate quartz for its organic, natural-looking colors that bring warmth to any kitchen.
How Quartz Achieves the Agate Look
Quartz consists of ground natural stone combined with polymer resins. To create an agate-like quartz slab, manufacturers carefully select and blend minerals that mimic agate’s signature swirled pattern and colors.
Common ingredients used to achieve the agate look in quartz include:
- Silica: Provides the base material, just like in natural agate.
- Iron oxides: Add reddish, brown, and yellow tones.
- Titanium dioxide: Contributes to opaque white bands.
- Carbon: Produces gray veins.
Skilled blending of these minerals by quartz fabricators results in slabs with mesmerizing agate-like designs. The patterns vary slightly between slabs, making each countertop unique.
Major Brands Making Agate Quartz
Many leading quartz manufacturers produce agate-lookalike slabs. Here are some top brands to look for:
Cambria
Cambria’s Brittanicca quartz line includes the Agate color option displaying swirling cream, beige, brown, and white reminiscent of natural agate stone. Cambria offers a lifetime warranty.
Caesarstone
Caesarstone’s Agata quartz incorporates gray, white, and brown bands to mimic agate. Their surfaces come with a lifetime warranty.
Silestone
Silestone makes two agate-inspired quartz colors: White Storm, displaying white and gray swirls, and Gris Storm, with more black and brown banding. They offer a 25-year warranty.
MSI
MSI’s collection includes Taj Mahal Quartz with brown and cream agate-style patterns. They offer a 15-year warranty on residential installations.
Other brands
Cosentino, Dupont, LG Viatera, and Quarella also produce agate-look quartz lines. Pricing and warranties vary amongst manufacturers.
Why Choose Agate-Style Quartz?
There are many reasons to choose quartz with an agate aesthetic:
- Visual appeal – The natural stone look is very on-trend right now. Agate quartz adds organic beauty to any space.
- Uniqueness – No two slabs have the exact same patterning. Your countertops will be one-of-a-kind.
- Durability – Quartz is non-porous and stands up well to scratches, stains, and heat. It doesn’t require sealing like natural stone.
- Easy maintenance – Quartz only needs mild soap and water for cleaning. No special cleaners needed.
- Hygienic – The nonporous surface inhibits bacteria growth. Perfect for kitchens.
While not a replacement for true natural agate, quartz does allow more homeowners to enjoy worry-free countertops with agate’s coveted aesthetic.
FAQs About Agate-Style Quartz Countertops
Is agate quartz real stone?
No, quartz with agate patterning contains crushed stone blended with resins. It mimics the look of agate but is engineered.
How durable is agate quartz?
Quartz has excellent durability and hardness, making it suitable for heavy-use kitchen countertops. It resists stains, scratches, and heat very well.
Does agate quartz need to be sealed?
No. Because quartz is non-porous, it never needs sealing like natural stone.
Can you cut on agate quartz countertops?
Absolutely, quartz stands up very well to being cut on, so it is perfect for kitchen countertops. Use a cutting board for best results.
How much does agate-style quartz cost compared to natural agate?
Quartz with agate patterning runs $50-100 per square foot installed. Natural agate can cost over $200 per square foot, putting it out of reach for many budgets.
Is agate quartz suitable for outdoors?
Quartz makers generally only recommend their slabs for indoor use. The resins may not hold up well long-term in outdoor environments.
Conclusion
Quartz manufacturers like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI offer stunning countertop slabs mimicking the look of natural agate stone. Combinations of minerals like silica, iron oxides, and carbon allow quartz to realistically emulate agate’s signature banding and colors. Agate-style quartz provides a durable, easy-care alternative to real stone at a more affordable price point. Its organic beauty and uniqueness make it a coveted option for today’s homeowners. With proper care, agate quartz countertops will retain their eye-catching, natural-stone look for years to come.