From the ancient Greek word amethystos (literally, “not drunk”), this wine-colored gem was widely esteemed for its perceived ability to ward off intoxication. While we don't expect Amethyst to cure or prevent a hangover, it remains the most valuable variety of gemstone within the quartz family.
Cambria and Silestone are considered to be two of the more expensive types of quartz, but they are also very high-quality brands.
First Choice Quartz: The highest quality.
Premium-grade or first choice quartz is the highest quality and most expensive grade. Grade A quartz is engineered by combining natural quartz with resin and colored pigments. It offers the most intricate patterns and colors, resembling natural stones like granite and marble.
Cotterite is the rarest variety on Earth of the most common mineral on Earth. Cotterite is a type of quartz that was only ever found in County Cork and that shows a unique trait.
That combination produces a color-consistent slab during the manufacturing process. With poor-quality quartz, the resin will often pool in one section. Finally, higher quartz grades will have a consistent shine on the surface.
Quartz countertop pricing per square foot is typically based on the grade: Bullder's grade/standard quartz: $50-$60 per square foot. Commercial grade quartz: $60-$80 per square foot. High-end/premium quartz: $80-$100 per square foot or more.
Starting with, clear quartz. It is the least expensive. On the other hand, if you buy rare quartz colors, they will cost considerably more. For example Amethyst (purple) and citrine (yellow) are much more valuable.
The world's purest quartz
Nestled among the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spruce Pine has a rich history as the source of the world's highest quality quartz.
Examine the quartz slab for flaws, cracks, chips, scrapes, stains, watermarks, or contaminants. Quartz thickness levels should also be consistent throughout the slab, which is an indicator of its quality.
Trending Quartz Countertop Designs for 2024-2025
Among the most coveted is Calacatta Quartz, revered for its striking resemblance to natural marble and its ability to add elegance to any kitchen.
High-Grade Quartz Countertops
High-grade quartz is the top-tier option, made with the highest concentration of natural quartz, offering exceptional strength, beauty, and long-lasting durability. It is also called "first choice quartz."
Cambria is proudly made right here in the U.S.A. This family-owned premium grade quartz countertop manufacturer is not just the only highest quality producer in the country, but is regarded as one of the best countertop fabricators in the world.
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.
The quartz is sourced in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA, where the unique geology offers the world's highest purity quartz deposits. From there, products are shipped to a state-of-the-art facility in Drag, Norway, enabling the production of quartz which is 99.998% SiO2.
The Mohs Scale of Hardness
You can see from "absolute" hardness that diamond is actually 16 times harder than quartz, and sapphire (in the corundum family) is 4 times harder than quartz. Moissanite falls at a 9.25 on the Mohs, ranking higher than sapphire and ruby, beneath only diamond.
Shadow Quartz is one of the most authentic-looking quartz varieties available. Perfect for those who love the earthy charm of natural stone but desire the durability and maintenance ease of quartz. Ideal for both modern and traditional designs, it complements any decor.
Derived from the Latin word citrina, meaning "yellow", natural citrine is the rarest of the quartz varieties, which include amethyst, aventurine and prasiolite.
High-Grade Quartz: It is also known as first choice quartz and this particular level of quartz countertops cost is the most expensive one. It's the most durable level and comes in an endless range of striking colors, designs, styles, and patterns.
Quartz's value depends on color and clarity, among other factors, as these two can vary a lot; large quartz exemplars are not uncommon, so carat weight is less of a defining factor - the price per carat will be rather stable for smaller and for bigger stones and will not increase dramatically, proportionally to the ...
The cost of a good quality quartz countertop ranges between $50 to $65 per square foot, while that of better quartz countertop quality ranges between $65 to $75. Therefore, if you are looking for the best quality quartz countertop, you're likely to spend between $75 to $150 per square foot.
From the ancient Greek word amethystos (literally, “not drunk”), this wine-colored gem was widely esteemed for its perceived ability to ward off intoxication. While we don't expect Amethyst to cure or prevent a hangover, it remains the most valuable variety of gemstone within the quartz family.