What is Quartz?
Quartz is an abundantly
available mineral in the Earth's crust. Quartz crystals have become an integral
part in watches all over the world. Quartz crystals are also used for many
different uses such as sandpaper, glass and computer components.
Quartz is a beautiful mineral that comes in a lot of
different varieties and colours that have led to its usage in our homes.
Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
One of the most predominant uses
for quartz in the home is as a countertop material. Quartz countertops are a
direct competitor to
natural stone
countertop materials such as granite. Quartz countertops are considered
engineered stone because they are manufactured.
A natural stone countertop
requires that a large slab of the material is removed from the earth and
remains intact until it is shaped and smoothed into a countertop for your home.
Engineered stone takes a natural mineral like quartz and combines it with a
binder such as resin to create the shape of the countertop. The abundance of
quartz in the world means that quartz countertops are much more available than
granite and marble countertops.
When you are deciding on what
type of quartz or granite to use for your countertop it is important to remember
that each piece of granite in the world is uniquely different. This means that
the sample you see in a store will vary at least slightly from the product that
is installed in your home.
The hardness of quartz rivals that of granite. A
manufactured quartz countertop is subjected to the same types of intense heat
and high pressure that naturally forms granite deposits. This allows quartz to
be nearly as hard as granite and offer similar durability.
An Option for Every
Taste
Engineered stone such as quartz
offers enhanced defense against bacteria because it is non-porous. Granite and
other types of natural stone must consistently be resealed in order to offer
the same levels of bacteria defense. Engineered stone also has increased stain
and water resistance.
Many people feel that granite is
the best possible material available for countertops, but quartz countertops
are quickly becoming a solid alternative. The price points for each option are
fairly similar and each one has its own unique advantages. Some people will
prefer the natural beauty of granite while others will gravitate towards the
minimal maintenance offered by quartz. No matter what material is chosen, the
countertop will
last a very long time
and improve the overall look of the home immediately.
The beauty and long-term durability offered by quartz
countertops have allowed them to ascend to the upper-class of the countertop
industry. Quartz countertops continue to evolve and become an even bigger
competitor to granite countertops. Contact a dealer today to see how a quartz
countertop can improve your home.