Where does the quartz for quartz countertops come from?

When designing any kitchen space, there are limitless options. And selecting the best material is never an easy task. Many factors have to be considered. For instance, homeowners have to choose the countertop material, color scheme, backsplash design, and more.

When choosing the best countertop material, many homeowners will opt for engineered quartz, and it’s no surprise why. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of this engineered countertop material and why it is the best option for any countertop project.

What is engineered quartz?

Quartz is a man-made product that is created using natural materials. It is composed of 90% ground quartz and 10% resins and pigments. When combined, they form a hard and durable surface. This hardness, among other properties, is what makes quartz unique among other countertop materials.

Being one of the hardest countertop materials, quartz is well known for its durability. As such, the environmental impact of engineered quartz is low since it is long-lasting and will not need to be replaced as frequently as other countertop alternatives.

Caesarstone manufactures premium quality quartz countertops that are both eye-catching and durable while providing numerous benefits to the homeowner. These countertops also offer the look and feel of many other sought-after countertop materials, such as marble, granite, and concrete.

What quartz colors are available?

As we mentioned previously, quartz is an engineered material. As such, it has limitless color options.

With a wide range of color options to choose from, including those from Caesarstone’s extensive catalog, homeowners can find the perfect selection to match their space. For instance, homeowners who are looking for grey engineered quartz countertops varieties can choose an option like 4044 Airy Concrete, 6313 Turbine Grey, or 5000 London Grey. Caesarstone also offers a variety of black, white, brown, and beige hues.

How durable is an engineered quartz counter?

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the highest traffic areas in any home. For this reason, any materials used should not only serve their purpose but also last many long, fruitful years. After all, no one wants to keep replacing their countertops.

Of all countertop materials in the market, quartz is the most durable. It is one of the hardest materials, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability can be attested to by the warranties offered by manufacturers. Caesarstone offers a lifetime warranty for all their indoor countertop options and a 10-year warranty for their outdoor countertop selection.

5000 London Grey – Designer: Louise Roe, Front Roe 

Are quartz countertops heat-resistant?

Quartz countertops are heat-resistant, which is another factor that makes them such a popular choice among homeowners. However, it is important to note that quartz is not heat-proof. This means quartz countertops can only withstand heat for a brief time. When exposed to extreme temperatures, engineered quartz can sustain burn marks. These cannot be repaired.

To ensure these countertops stay beautiful for as long as possible, it is advised that homeowners always use heat pads or trivets when placing hot cookware or appliances on their quartz countertops.

What about porosity?

When it comes to porosity, engineered quartz is a true champion. Porous countertops are not only less durable and hard to clean, but they also pose a health risk. The non-porous nature of quartz countertops creates a resilient surface which prevents the build-up of bacteria. Likewise, since quartz is non-porous it doesn’t require sealing, which saves on maintenance costs.

Are they easy to maintain?

Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. All that is needed to clean engineered stone countertops is warm water and mild soap. And for stubborn spills, non-abrasive cleaners and approved cleaners are all that is needed.

If dealing with dried spills, re-animate with water for a few minutes and clean with a damp towel. While rust marks are uncommon with quartz countertops, wiping the affected area with a Caesarstone recommended cleaner and a damp cloth will do the trick.

406 Clearskies – Designer: Linda Hayslett, L.H. Designs 

How versatile is quartz?

Quartz can be used to inject versatility into any renovation project. Quartz is the perfect material for walls, backsplashes, and countertops. Some people even capitalize on the material to satisfy their flooring needs. Because it is an engineered stone, homeowners will have no problem finding the perfect color and style to suit their space and make it feel like home.

For those looking for outdoor options, Caesarstone also offers an eye-catching outdoor collection, featuring three luxurious colors: 515 Palm Shade, 406 Clearskies, and 405 Midday. These striking countertops are strong and durable, and can withstand rain, sun, and snow.

What is the cost of engineered quartz?

Now that we have seen the benefits of quartz countertops, what is the cost of this engineered material? The cost of quartz countertops ranges between $40 to more than $100 per square foot. The price depends on the color choice, slab thickness, location, and configurations.

Quartz is one of the most durable and aesthetic materials for house interior design. You can see quartz kitchen countertops or quartz bathroom vanity tops in many houses today. You are already familiar with the common use of quartz, but have you ever wondered, “where does quartz come from for your countertops?”

In this post, you will find answers to some important questions about quartz and quartz countertops. If you are planning to have a kitchen remodeling or other interior design upgrade, you should read through this article.

Key Questions About Quartz

With their eye-catching colors and patterns, quartz countertops have always been in demand among homeowners. They offer wide selections of color, pattern, style, and size. In addition, it is usually easy to access regardless of the time of the year.

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Here are some valuable Q&As about quartz.

What’s Quartz?

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. It is composed of one silicon and two oxygen atoms. Additionally, quartz minerals are sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Also, it is highly resistant to chemical and mechanical weathering. Due to its high durability and hardness, it is used in different fields of industry.

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How Is Quartz Formed?

If you have ever asked, “how is quartz made?”, we can say that it is not made but given. Quartz is silicon dioxide in crystallized form. This silicon dioxide (SiO2) is highly abundant in the Earth’s crust. There are two chiral forms of quartz, α-quartz and β-quartz. α-quartz can transform into β-quartz at 573 °C. Some varieties of quartz are among the popular gemstones. They are used to make jewelry or do some carving work.

If you ask about the quartz countertop manufacturing process, then it is a different story.

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Where Do Quartz Countertops Come From?

Although quartz slabs are not purely natural stones, manufacturing quartz countertops is not very complicated, indeed. Firstly, pure quartz is mined in quarries around the world. Then high quality pure white pieces are selected. Those selected quartz pieces are ground into smaller sizes. Next, very small quartz pieces are mixed with additives, including the resin. 

Typically, the additive ratio is less than 10% of the total mixture. Then, the mixture is vibrated and vacuumed so that the air between the pieces goes away. When there is no air in the mixture, the quartz blended with additives is pressed, considering the slab size desired for the countertop production. Finally, the pressed slabs are heated at very high degrees. Hence, quartz slabs become very hard and non-porous. They get even harder than granite countertops.

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The slabs are shipped to dealers or stores worldwide. The quartz industry is among the major branches of the construction market. There are millions of people making their living out of this sector. When we look at the global picture of the quartz industry, we see that China, Turkey, and India are the biggest quartz exporters, according to OEC data of 2019.

Where Does Quartz Come From In The U.S?

The U.S is rich in quartz crystals, and there is some good quartz manufacturing in Arkansas, New York, Colorado, North Carolina…etc. For example, Cambria, one of the best quartz brands globally, is manufactured in Minnesota. Of course, there are other American brands, too. However, the U.S is still the biggest quartz importing country.

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Why Are Quartz Surfaces Popular?

Quartz surfaces have gained immense popularity due to the exceptional benefits they offer. Getting a quartz surface, you can be sure that it is resistant to mildew, stains, and, most importantly, bacteria. This means a lot to those people who are concerned about the cleaning and maintenance.

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Also, unlike other natural stones, there are more color and pattern options in quartz countertops. That makes it easier for you to find a surface matching your existing house design. Even custom-made surfaces are possible in quartz.

What Colors Does Quartz Come In?

Under normal conditions, quartz is found colorless or white. However, it is very common to find various colors of quartz crystals in different parts of the world due to chemical impurities. Depending on the chemical characteristics of the quartz, you can see aventurine, tiger’s eye, or citrine types of quartz. They show a great deal of variety in color. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why people prefer quartz surfaces over other natural alternatives like marble or granite.

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Where Does Cambria Quartz Come From?

Cambria is a popular quartz brand. There are many quartz countertop manufacturers around, but Cambria is a truly American manufacturer. The factory is located in Le Sueur, Minnesota, and they have some other facilities in the U.S and Canada. They offer high-quality with a lifetime warranty and exceptional service and support. In this family-owned company, they produce quartz surfaces that are incredibly durable and nonabsorbent.

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Bottom Line

Quartz is an amazing detail under the Earth’s surface. Thanks to its wide range of use, quartz is an unusual gem. Furthermıre, quartz countertops are one of the best examples of blending nature and engineering. Looking at a well-manufactured quartz countertop, you can witness the perfect combination of nature and humans.

Aster Broeksmann

Author