Quartz is an engineered, man-made product manufactured in a factory by combining elements of quartz, resin, and pigment. Alternatively, quartzite is a natural stone that forms 100% organically deep within the earth that is extracted in blocks by quarrying.
But, unlike natural stone, such as marble, granite, and soapstone, quartz countertops are categorized as a man-made product. While they do consist of natural quartz stone, they also include added resins, colors, and other materials to help enhance its strength and style.
The quartz countertop manufacturing process allows for greater customization. This means a greater array of options in terms of appearance. With quartzite, you don't have many options beyond the stone's natural appearance. Beyond appearance, ease of maintenance is another area in which quartz shines.
In terms of durability, natural stone is considered more brittle than engineered quartz. Natural stone is also naturally more porous than quartz which means it can absorb liquids in the event of a spill.
However, quartz and quartzite are similar in price, with quartzite being just slightly more expensive. You can expect to pay around $60 to $150 per square foot for quartz countertops and $70 to $200 per square foot for quartzite countertops.
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.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
Con: Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are somewhat heat resistant, but at very high temperatures the resins that bind the quartz crystals may discolor. If heat resistance is a top priority for you, a natural stone countertop may be a better choice, although stone surfaces can also be damaged by excessive heat.
There are differences in quartz countertop manufacturers. Different combinations of materials can produce higher or lower quality tops. However, even lesser quality quartz tops are still better than most countertop materials.
Quartz counters do not need sealing due to their lack of porosity. Liquids and stains cannot penetrate non-porous materials because they have a built-in seal. Natural stone countertops, such as polished marbles or granite, have pores and small splinters that require sealing on a regular basis.
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.
They can if they are not properly taken care of. Quartz has been proven to be stain-resistant; however, it is not a stain-proof material. In fact, quartz countertops are susceptible to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and chemical spills.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
FIRST CHOICE GRADE QUARTZ PRODUCTS
In pristine condition, with a distinct gleam. Expensive, yet can last for years. Contains 7 to 8% resin.
Vinegar-based spray cleaner is another option to keep quartz countertops glistening. In a clean spray bottle, mix one-quarter vinegar with three-quarters water and shake it up. Just as with regular countertop cleaning, keep spraying and wiping across the counter, cleaning a few feet at a time.
Pure quartz, traditionally called rock crystal or clear quartz, is colorless and transparent or translucent and has often been used for hardstone carvings, such as the Lothair Crystal. Common colored varieties include citrine, rose quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, milky quartz, and others.
Inhalation over long periods will cause silicosis where fibrosis of the lungs causes shortness of breath and can lead to death in severe cases. Over exposure to silica weakens the body's defense mechanisms. Because of the abundance of silica, potential hazards are widespread.
Nonporous materials do not have any entrance points for germs, making it nearly impossible for quartz countertops to host bacteria, mold, or mildew. High-quality antimicrobial quartz countertops can give homeowners peace of mind, especially if they spend a lot of their free time in the kitchen.
The Weaknesses of Engineered Stone – Quartz
Unlike granite, engineered quartz is not really heat-resistant, not to mention that it is also susceptible to crack or chip if it experiences a heavy impact close to the edge. The product is not ideal for fireplaces or outdoor use.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.