Quartz Slabs for Countertops Manufacturers and Differences

QUARTZ MANUFACTURERS & DIFFERENCES

All quartz manufacturers are derived from the Breton company’s original patent which was which was created over 50 years ago.  Their technology and machines are licensed to 52 companies around the world.  Each company adds their own designs and concepts,  but they must still work off of the original patent.

These qualities are in their product are/should always be the same:

Composition: Around 93% mineral content. The high degree of mineral content gives quartz its distinctive look and feel.

Hardness:  The process of creating quartz countertops save the hardest mineral (quartz) and eliminates softer minerals and impurities.

Low Water Absorption Rate: Low water absorption rate of 0.5%.

Heat Resistance: Quartz minerals (not binders) are 100% impervious to heat, but typically only up to 360 F but only for a short duration. Some people think quartz is indestructible and that is not the case.  Quartz is not recommended for outside kitchens.  You should always use trivets and coasters for all hot items.

Visible Seams: Unless the countertop can be fabricated from a single slab, two slabs often have to be seamed together. The skill of the installer can minimize the look, but will never be invisible.

These are things a lot of people in the industry are not telling you or people are not completely understanding about quartz.

Some of the Differences between brands are:

Designs & Edges:  The biggest difference between the brands are the slab’s visual appearance, overall color, size and shape of minerals, streaks and striations.  Edge profiles are already built into the slab at the factory not formed by the fabricator.

Slab Sizes:  Due to the need to seam quartz, a lot of companies offer standard and jumbo slabs, which helps with the seam issue and can be a saving.

Warranties: All quartz brands come with a warranty. What differs is the length, limitations and transferability.

Prices: Prices differ between brands.  They are wholesale only and are confined to approved dealer/installers.

What is Quartzite, it’s Advantages & Disadvantages

What is Quartzite, it’s Advantages & Disadvantages

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock that starts out as sandstone and evolves over time under intense heat and pressure that makes it a dense, hard rock. It is then fused with resins, polymers and pigments and quarried and cut into slabs. It is rated #7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. 

Mont Blanc Quartzite custom countertops fabricated and installed by DFW Granite 972-671-9324

 Advantages:

• It is hard.
• It is beautiful like marble, with natural swirling and veining, but without the softness.
• Easy to Clean. Caution: It must be sealed first in order to easily clean. Avoid abrasives, as they will break down the sealant exposing the porous material and cause it to stain. It is also resistant to chemicals.
• Because it is natural, each stone is one-of-a-kind.
• It is UV resistant, it won’t fade when exposed to natural light.
• It won’t etch. Real Quartzite, not so called “soft” quartzite, which isn’t quartzite at all, is resistant to acids like lemons. Check with your fabricator to make sure you are truly looking at “real” quartzite.

Disadvantages of Quartzite:

• It is expensive.
• Despite being durable, it is not resistant to damage. You need to seal often or use a permanent sealer to lessen the probability of staining.  Always wipe up spills quickly especially oils.  Quartzite products can differ in how much they may be prone to stain, this is not easily determined at the stone yard since you can't really test the slabs on site.
• Although Quartzite is resistant to scratches and heat, it is safer to use cutting boards and pot holders/trivets. Be careful of the material you use as a pot holder or trivet. Rubber or vinyl trivets/holders can leave a stain design on the quartzite due to the products being made from an oil base.

There are not a lot of color variations in Quartzite, but it all depends on what country they come from and the minerals present. It is grey and white, some can have green, yellow, blue and pink streaks. The distinctive feature of quartzite is it’s streaking.

When looking for a quartzite, also look for a qualified fabricator that is skilled and has experience working with the hardness of this stone and has the tools necessary to work with it. Not every fabricator can cut and install these stones easily.

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