Quartz is the second most abundant and hardest mineral in the world. However, manufacturers only noticed its potential as a surface material more than fifty years ago. Quartz may be processed into various products, from fine to coarse grains, with pigments allowing for a broad spectrum of hues and dazzling effects.
Being an affordable natural stone alternative, it is gradually displacing other materials as the preferred countertop material. It is presently one of the top three countertop materials in the world. It’s no surprise as to why its popularity is continuously increasing. Many people use quartz countertops, but even those who have used them don’t know everything about them.
Given its multiple benefits and low cost, it’s easy to see why this countertop is becoming more popular than others. After understanding its benefits and interesting facts, you will have a higher appreciation for quartz countertops in San Jose. Here are some reasons for choosing this material for your kitchen countertops over others.
Advantages of Quartz Countertops in San Jose
Quartz countertops made from synthetic materials provide several advantages.
- Superior resistance to wear and tear.
- With tiny porosity, it inhibits the propagation of bacteria.
- Numerous color options are available.
- Capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
- It is not necessary to reseal.
- Easy to maintain.
Here are essential facts about quartz countertops that you may not know:
The Quartz used in kitchen countertops is not always pure.
Because of its synthetic origins, quartz countertops are more correctly referred to as engineered or compound stones. The stone-like appearance and texture of so-called quartz countertops result from a combination of several kinds of rock kept together by binders.
A polymeric or cement-based binder accounts for 10% of the volume of a quartz countertop. The remaining 90% comprises natural stone, granite, marble, and other stone debris, as well as ceramic, silica, glass, and mirror trash. While Quartz may make up a portion, if not the entire countertop surface, it is never the only material used.
You see Quartz everywhere.
In case you didn’t know, Quartz is one of those materials that turns up almost wherever you look. Manufacturers utilize it for a wide variety of products since it is relatively inexpensive and widely available compared to other natural stones. The chances are high that you have unknowingly walked on Quartz on your frequent outdoor excursions.
They are often fabricated into tiling for floors and walls. It’s another evidence of Quartz’s superiority as a tabletop material. Indicative of the material’s reliability as a countertop, they can be stepped on without the fear of cracking or breakage.
Quartz and Quartzite are not the same.
Despite widespread misunderstandings, Quartz and Quartzite have distinct functions. The metamorphic stone collected from the soil is Quartzite, which is gorgeous and natural.
Maintaining it is more labor, and it will need to be resealed every several years. On the other hand, Quartz is made by combining the stone with many different elements. There is very little maintenance required. It may be manufactured in various hues, including black, blue, grey, brown, and beige.
Quartz countertops are profoundly long-lasting.
The extreme durability of quartz countertops is a central selling point for this material. Quartz is a good choice if you need something that won’t break, scratch, or chip easily.
The Italian firm Breton set out to use the mineral’s abundance to their advantage by developing the process of making engineered quartz stone in 1963.
Plus, by including pigments and other elements into the production process, they might provide an infinite number of design options.
Thankfully, Breton’s vision was realized and had gone mainstream, and now quartz worktops are among the most long-lasting options for kitchen and bathroom counters.
On the Mohs scale, which geologists use to evaluate the scratch resistance and hardness of various minerals, it is rated at a seven. Conversely, marble is often placed between third and fifth, while diamond is typically ranked tenth.
Quartz is very tough but not invincible due to this misconception. Quartz can be scratched or chipped, although its durability makes this unlikely with normal wear and tear.
The Quartz surfaces have a marble-like look.
Quartz countertops are the best substitute for marble if you want a surface that takes minimal maintenance and is of good quality but has a limited budget. These rocks are so similar to marble that they are almost hard to distinguish. It outperforms both granite and marble in terms of aesthetic attributes.
Quartz is a versatile backdrop material since its veining may be either spectacular or subtle, depending on the item. Since there is a wide selection of options, you can pick one appropriate for your budget and your kitchen’s design. Furthermore, quartz countertops are stain-resistant and resistant to liquid spill damage. As previously said, this is a material that needs very little maintenance.
Quartz isn’t only great for your countertop.
Quartz quickly conjures up visions of gleaming new kitchen or bathroom worktops in the imaginations of most homeowners. However, most Quartz slabs are used in massive quantities as flooring material in public facilities like malls, airports, and Prada shops. You’ve probably stepped across quartz countertops without even realizing it.
Quartz has evolved from its earliest application as hand-poured small slabs of roughly 12 by 20 inches, cut down and utilized for floor tiles by inventor Marcello Toncelli. In the mid-1970s, slabs were still only 50 inches long, making them unsuitable for kitchen countertops.
Quartz offers different design finishes.
Quartz countertops come in a wide selection of stylish, minimalist, and up-to-date styles, which is another plus. By using pigments and other materials, such as recycled glass and metal flecks, makers of quartz countertops may create practically any pattern and color you might imagine. Quartz can be fashioned into any design you may imagine, unlike more natural stones like granite.
They are versatile and may be altered to match any cabinet style, color, backsplash, or flooring. Countertops with solid colors are becoming fashionable in today’s houses, surpassing the popularity of more classic stone-like patterns. Most manufacturers offer styles that mimic the appearance of genuine stones like granite and marble.
The Takeaway: Quartz is an Excellent Countertop Choice!
Quartz is a natural stone that can be used as a less expensive alternative to traditional stones like marble and granite. In recent years, It has become an increasingly popular material for countertop use—because it is resistant to heat and chemicals, making it an ideal material for countertops because it requires little upkeep.
Need help in choosing your next quartz countertop in San Jose? Perhaps you want to browse a selection of high-quality and affordable granite slabs? We’ve got you covered! The team at Granite Expo is ready to provide expert advice. So give us a call at (510) 652-8882 or send us a message at info@TheGraniteExpo.com.
