Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But despite their prevalence, there is still some confusion surrounding what quartz countertops actually are. Specifically, many homeowners wonder – is quartz countertop natural stone?
What is Quartz?
To understand if quartz countertops qualify as natural stone, it’s important to first understand what quartz is. Quartz is a mineral that is found abundantly in nature. It is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms and is the second most common mineral found in the Earth’s continental crust, behind feldspar.
Quartz can be found in a variety of colors including:
- White
- Grey
- Purple
- Yellow
- Pink
- Red
- Brown
Natural quartz is extremely durable and heat resistant. It rates a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it is harder than most other natural stones.
The Manufacturing Process of Quartz Countertops
While natural quartz is found in nature, quartz countertops are manufactured in factories. Here is a quick overview of how quartz countertops are made:
- Step 1: Natural quartz crystals are mined and then crushed into a fine powder. This provides the base material.
- Step 2: The quartz powder is combined with resins, pigments, and other compounds. The resins act as a binding agent. Pigments add color. Compounds like silica improve durability.
- Step 3: The mixture is compacted into slabs using a vacuum and vibration process. This fuses everything together.
- Step 4: The slabs are polished into the finished product.
So in summary, quartz countertops start with a natural material – quartz crystals – that are then combined with other substances to create an engineered stone.
Is Quartz Countertop Considered Natural Stone?
Given the manufacturing process, quartz countertops are not considered a 100% natural stone. They are an engineered stone blend.
However, it’s important to note that quartz countertops contain a very high percentage of natural quartz – usually around 90%. The other 10% is resins and compounds that are added to improve the durability and appearance.
Additionally, quartz countertops maintain many of the benefits of natural stone:
- Made from a natural mineral found in the earth
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Heat resistant
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
So while not 100% natural stone, quartz countertops have significant natural stone-like properties and contain a high concentration of natural quartz crystals. Many experts and manufacturers therefore consider them a stone product.
Quartz Countertops vs. Other Natural Stones
It’s helpful to compare quartz against other common natural stone countertop materials:
Granite Countertops
- Completely natural – quarried from granite deposits in the earth
- Surface can be prone to scratches and damage over time
- Requires periodic sealing to prevent stains
- Limited color/pattern options
Marble Countertops
- 100% natural stone that’s quarried and cut into slabs
- Softer and more prone to etching than granite
- Open surface can stain easily without proper sealing
- Distinctive veining patterns
Quartz Countertops
- Not 100% natural but contains 90%+ natural quartz
- Extremely hard, durable surface resistant to scratches
- Doesn’t require regular sealing like granite/marble
- Wide range of colors and patterns
So while granite and marble are unequivocally natural stones, quartz offers superior durability and more design flexibility. But it does contain a high concentration of natural quartz crystals quarried from the earth.
The Pros and Cons of Choosing Quartz Countertops
There are many reasons quartz countertops have become so popular. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros of Quartz Countertops
- Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
- Easy maintenance – doesn’t require sealing
- Resists stains, etching, and heat damage
- Manufactured in wide range of colors and styles
- Contains high percentage of natural quartz
Cons of Quartz Countertops
- Not 100% natural stone
- Can have manufacturing defects in some cases
- Requires periodic reconditioning of surface
- Limited number of thick edge profile options
- More expensive than some natural stones
Is Quartz Countertop Natural Stone? The Bottom Line
While not 100% natural stone, quartz countertops contain up to 90% natural quartz crystals and maintain many natural stone-like qualities. Their durability, low maintenance needs, and flexibility in colors and patterns makes them a popular alternative to natural stones like granite and marble.
Quartz offers homeowners excellent performance while incorporating a high concentration of natural quartz. So while quartz isn’t found entirely in nature like granite or marble, it can be considered a high-quality engineered stone product with significant natural stone composition and characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertops
Many homeowners have additional questions about quartz countertops. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Are quartz countertops better than granite?
There is no definitive “better” option – granite and quartz each have their own pros and cons. Quartz is harder, more scratch resistant, and requires less maintenance than granite. But granite offers a more authentic natural stone look.
How much do quartz countertops cost compared to granite?
On average, quartz countertops cost $80-140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops range from $60-120 per square foot installed. The ranges overlap significantly.
What are the best quartz brands?
Some of the top quartz brands include Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, and Viatera. Many brands offer unique colors and patterns.
Can you repair quartz countertops?
Minor damage like superficial scratches can be buffed out of a quartz countertop. But significant damage requires a full replacement. Repairs are limited with engineered surfaces.
Are quartz countertops toxic?
Quartz surfaces contain natural quartz crystals which are not toxic. But there has been some concern about trace amounts of chemicals like formaldehyde in resins. However, reputable brands meet regulatory standards.
How thick should a quartz countertop be?
A thickness of 2 cm (3/4″) is the minimum recommended thickness for quartz countertops. Many fabricators recommend 3 cm (1 1/4”) thickness for added durability and support.
Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz resists stains very well and doesn’t require sealing. However, prolonged exposure to certain materials (like wine, oil, and dyes) can cause some staining over time without prompt cleaning.
Is quartz porous?
Unlike granite and marble which are porous, quartz has a non-porous surface making it resistant to liquid penetration. This also means it does not require periodic sealing.
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Quartz holds up very well to normal kitchen use. But excessive force with sharp knives can cut into the surface over time. Using a cutting board is recommended to maintain the beauty of quartz.
Conclusion
While not a 100% natural stone, quartz countertops do represent an engineered stone product with up to 90% natural quartz crystals. The combination with resins and compounds creates an extremely hard, durable, and low maintenance countertop surface. For homeowners who want excellent performance, quartz offers a compelling balance of natural stone aesthetics and engineered durability.