Quartz Slab Countertop

Quartz is a man-made stone, but very similar in properties to natural stones like granite and marble. It is the only engineered stone that can beat granite and marble in terms of durability, appearance, resistivity, and maintenance. It is a popular choice worldwide for kitchen and bathroom countertops. In this guide, we will learn more about quartz formation, its characteristics, properties, types, applications, benefits, maintenance, and much more.

Formation of Quartz Stone

Quartz stone formation goes through both natural and engineered methods. Quartz is a mineral found in huge quantities from the Earth’s crust in the form of igneous and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes over millions of years and then grows in the form of quartz crystals as large deposits. Here ends the natural formation of quartz stone.
However, it is further engineered in factories, where natural quartz is mixed with resins and pigments and shaped into stone slabs. The resins and pigments are added to give different colors, textures, and patterns. It also helps in enhancing the strength and durability of the quartz stone. Overall, the combination of both natural and man-made methods makes the quartz stone copy the natural stone properties in every aspect.

Properties of Quartz

• Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest engineered stones, resistant to weathering, chemicals, scratches, chips, and cracks.  It is commonly used for kitchen and bathroom countertops, due to its durability and low maintenance.
• Design and Patterns: Quartz has a wide range of options in terms of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Due to the impurities added to the natural quartz stone, it can be produced in any color and design pattern. The man-made processes make it highly versatile to be used in different fields. It gives a very classy and elegant appearance enhancing the overall site.
• Transparent Appearance: As we know, quartz is mixed with several impurities to have versatility in terms of color and textures. It can have a transparent, translucent, and opaque appearance depending upon the type and number of impurities added. It also has a shiny appearance (glass-like luster), when polished.
• Resistivity: Quartz, being the engineered stone has the highest resistivity. It is a non-porous material, resistant to stains like acidic or food spills. It is also resistant to heat, and hence most suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is a popular choice for countertops, especially for kitchen and bathroom areas. It is resistant to heat and stains, making it a good choice for kitchen countertops. It is also used for kitchen islands to give an appealing look to the kitchen space.

Due to moisture resistance, it becomes a suitable choice for wet environments like bathroom spaces. Since it is easy to maintain, it can also be used as shower surrounds or wall panels in place of tiling.

Quartz Backsplashes

It can also be used for backsplashes and countertops. It is generally used in between the space of countertops and upper cabinets to avoid food staining and greases. You can also give a match-up with the kitchen countertop’s design and pattern. Otherwise, different contrast also looks appealing.

Quartz is also used for commercial spaces, such as office and retail counters, healthcare, and laboratories.

Durability and Strength

Quartz is a highly durable engineered stone and is resistant to almost everything in terms of weathering, chemical corrosion, scratches, chips, and cracks. Being highly durable, it is a popular choice of architects and designers for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Low Maintenance

Quartz being non-porous and highly resistant, requires low to zero maintenance. Just clean it with a soft sponge or cloth using a mild detergent and wipe it off. They do not require sealing, but you can polish them once or twice a year for extra luster and shine. It is advised to avoid contact with any hot pots and harsh chemicals for longer shelf life.

Aesthetic Versatility

Quartz has a wide range of options in terms of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Due to the impurities added to the natural quartz stone, it can be produced in any color and design pattern. The man-made processes make it highly versatile to be used in different fields. It gives a very classy and elegant appearance enhancing the overall site.

Consistent Appearance (Engineered Quartz)

As we know, quartz is mixed with several impurities to have versatility in color and textures. It can have a transparent, translucent, and opaque appearance depending upon the type and number of impurities added. It also has a shiny appearance (glass-like luster), when polished.

Stain and Scratch Resistance

Quartz, being the engineered stone, has the highest resistivity. It is a non-porous material, resistant to stains like acidic or food spills. It is also resistant to heat, and hence most suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes. 

Eco-Friendly Options (Recycled Quartz)

Quartz is recycled using manufactured waste, produced during the production of quartz countertops and used countertops, once their shelf life is on the verge. It is first crushed and ground into small particles. Further, the recycled quartz is mixed with resins and pigments to give it the desired color and texture. The recycled stone is used for different applications like landscaping and pathways.

Choosing Quartz

Quartz is an absolute choice for flooring and countertops. It becomes a challenging task to choose the right quartz material. Several factors like the manufacturer’s reputation, color, patterns, and textures need to be kept in mind while finalizing the right one.

Purpose and Application of Quartz

It is the first thing you need to decide before planning to invest in stones. Decide the purpose of the quartz stone, such as whether it is for flooring, countertops, or backsplashes. Each application demands different maintenance and aesthetics, depending on the location as well.

Properties (Hardness, Density, etc.)

After deciding on the application area of the quartz stone, you should accordingly check the properties of the stone. Properties include hardness, density, longevity, resistance properties, appearance, and maintenance. As per the application area of the slab, decide the properties required.  

Aesthetic Considerations (Color, Pattern, Finish)

Speaking about aesthetic considerations, quartz stone is highly valued for its color patterns, textures, and finishing. As per the overall look of the space, choose the right colors, patterns, and finishing. These three factors can highly affect the look and feel of space.

Budget and Cost Factors

Finally, don’t forget to include the cost factor while selecting the quartz stone for your project. There are some other charges in addition to the material costs such as installation costs and maintenance costs.

Quartz requires low to minimal maintenance to keep up the shine and luster of the stone. Due to its resistance properties, it is very easy to maintain in everyday life. Weekly cleaning with a mild soap or detergent is enough to remove dirt from the surface by maintaining its appearance.

Although it is non-porous, still try to avoid any acidic spills to prevent potential staining. It does not require sealing or anything. If necessary, you can use the polishing method twice or thrice a year to give it a longer shelf life by maintaining its beauty and appearance.

If you are looking for a reputed wholesaler and supplier to help you purchase the right material under favorable price ranges, you can approach “Stone Depot USA”. It is a engineered & natural stone slabs supplier and distributor in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in the TX, USA.

They do both personalized and bulk orders for granite, marble, and quartz in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishing styles. With the finest quality material delivered through proper packaging and on-time delivery, Stone Depot is the best option you should go for your next stone purchase. You can contact us through our website, and our team will reach out to you in no time!