Quartz doesn't require sealing whatsoever and tends to be uniform throughout, significantly reducing the likelihood of cracks. Additionally, the resins that quartz countertops are typically made with tend to be highly resistant to staining, while granite tends to be stained rather easily.
Use a knife to scratch the surface of a countertop. The outcome indicates the hardness of the mineral. If the knife leaves a scratch, the stone is likely marble. If there are no scratches, the stone is likely a much harder stone like quartzite or granite.
To identify granite, do a scratch test. Take a knife blade, and try scratching the surface (in an inconspicuous place). If it's hard to scratch, then it's likely to be granite (or some type of igneous rock). If you are able to scratch the stone it is either marble or limestone.
In most cases, marbles and granites can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone. Marble will normally show “veins” or high concentrations. The minerals in granite will typically appear as small flecks distributed uniformly in the stone.
Both materials are very durable and enhance interior designs and functionality, but which one costs less? Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
The acid test will also help decipher genuine quartz from a faux one. Pour a spoonful of white vinegar on the stone and wait for 30 seconds to see the reaction. If many tiny bubbles appear, the stone is fake. The calcium carbonate present in fake quartz reacts with the white vinegar and thus produces bubbles.
While you can purchase many spray cleaners, the best cleaner for Quartz countertops is dish soap. To wash your quartz counters, dampen a sponge or soft cloth and a couple of drops of dish soap. Work the dish soap in until the sponge becomes sudsy.
Quartz comes in more colors and patterns.
Similarly, quartz slabs can be flecked or veined in the factory to display diverse, uniform patterns across the slab. Quartzite comes primarily in shades of white or gray, though iron oxide in the stone can lend a pink or red hue.
Porcelain countertops, concrete, recycled glass, and laminate are some of the more popular man-made countertop choices that are not stone. When speaking of man-made “stone,” more often than not people are referring to quartz countertops. Quartz can also be referred to as engineered stone.
There is a misconception that granite countertops chip easily: they don't. In truth, granite is one of the most rigid materials out there, though it's liable to chip given extreme pressure. Avoid chips by keeping the countertop clean and sealed. Also, make use of trivets.
Although there are some controversies around the industry standard thickness for granite slabs and countertops, the standard granite countertop thickness is 3 cm. A lot of homeowners and installers still stick to the previous industry standard of 2 cm thick, mostly because of their peculiar needs and goals.
The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product—granite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.
Texture: Granite is mined directly from the earth in slabs and has a rougher texture and a more forgiving surface. Chipping is easier to repair; in quartz, the repairs are more noticeable.
Price: Per square-foot, marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials you can buy. It's far more expensive than butcher block, and even pricier than quartz or granite. Get a quote before you fall in love with marble—it might not be right for your remodel's budget.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
If you have a quartz countertop, you should be able to use Dawn Dish Soap without any issues. However, if you notice any discoloration or staining, you might need to switch to another brand of dish soap.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
Crystalline minerals are most often quartz.
It has a glassy luster, or shine. Milky quartz is white quartz. The white color comes from carbon dioxide gas trapped within the quartz structure. Milky quartz is usually massive, but well well-formed crystals are also common.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Crystalline quartz (especially rock crystal) can be confused with many other gemstones such as topaz, scapolite, danburite, phenakite, and others.
Quartz is Easier to Maintain than Granite
This countertop achieves a high level of durability without any sealant. As opposed to Granite, which requires re-sealing each year to maintain a less superior guard against the common hot pan, spilled wine, and dirty hands. An easy to clean countertop is the new kitchen dream.
Durability, ease of maintenance, cost, the environment, and project limitations are all reasons why granite is preferable over quartz countertops.
Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.