What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

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What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?   What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

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What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?   What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

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Did you know 85% of homeowners get quartz and quartzite countertops confused on a regular basis?

But can you blame them?

Both are made up of the mineral “Quartz” and the names are only slightly varied.

However, just because they have similar names and material make up – doesn’t mean that they are equal or the same. They are actually very different from each other.

Almost polar opposites!

So we’ll go quickly cover what exactly Quartz countertops are and what Quartzite countertops are, so you can make the best decision possible when choosing your next countertop.

 

Quartzite Countertops are Naturally Made

What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

These countertops are made from pure quartz crystals, giving them an unmatched density compared to other stones like granite or marble.

With this unique density, quartzite slabs will have excellent resistance to heat, moisture and scratches.

What does that mean?

If you’re looking to install this material in a kitchen, which is expected to see a lot of use, then quartzite countertops are a great option. They can hold up against hot pans. They’ll withstand spills with ease. And you can prepare food on them as well without any issue!

Plus, just like any other stone countertop, quartzite countertops only need to be sealed once every one to two years for upkeep and general maintenance.

Head to our Quartzite page to learn a little bit more, as well as a comparison to granite countertops. But now we’ll cover what quartz countertops are…

 

Quartz Countertops are Man Made

Perhaps the most important differentiating factor, quartz countertops are not naturally made like quartzite.

They’re made in a factory or manufacturing facility.

Rather than being formed from an entire mountain of pure quartz mineral, these countertops have taken that mineral, crushed it up into tiny pieces and then are glued back together with added pigments.

The result?

A different type of countertop that is desired for its low maintenance requirements, simple look and durability. However, while these countertops are known to be durable, we’ve actually seen quartz countertops be more vulnerable and affected by things that granite or quartzite wouldn’t be phased by.

What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?

For example, quartz can easily fall victim to heat stains or even melting! With the glue and resins inside the countertop, exposure to a hot surface can cause that resin to melt, or become stained, effectively ruining the look of your countertop.

The fact that there is glue and resin in the make-up of these slabs, rather than being pure stone (granite) or 100% crystal (quartzite), will immediately put these slabs in a predisposition to be more vulnerable and less durable.

 

So Why Quartz?

Homeowners really do love them!

If they are taken care of properly and not mistreated or used irresponsibly, then quartz countertops can be a solid choice.

Are they more vulnerable than pure stone slabs?

Not so much; every type of material will have issues if treated poorly or without care. But in heavy traffic situations, like a kitchen for a cooking enthusiast, a pure stone slab like granite or quartzite will be more durable than quartz.

What Exactly Are Quartz Countertops?