A quartz top, commonly known as a quartz countertop or surface, is an engineered material primarily used for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. It is not considered natural stone.
Quartz tops are manufactured by combining crushed natural quartz with other materials.
Composition of Quartz Tops
The specific composition of quartz tops is a key characteristic that differentiates them from natural stone slabs like granite or marble. Based on the materials used:
- By Weight: A significant portion, typically 90-95 percent, consists of natural quartz. The remaining 5-10 percent is made up of binders like resins and polymers. Pigments and decorative flecks are also added in this percentage to create color and pattern variations.
- By Volume: If measured by volume rather than weight, the proportions shift. Quartz makes up roughly 65 percent, while the resins, polymers, pigments, and flecks account for about 35 percent.
This combination of natural mineral and synthetic binders results in a durable, non-porous surface.
Why It's Not Natural Stone
Unlike materials quarried directly from the earth in a single slab (like granite or marble), quartz tops are manufactured. The process involves crushing natural quartz crystals and then mixing them with resins, polymers, and pigments before molding them into slabs.
Because of the significant percentage of added resins and polymers used to bind the quartz particles together and create the final product, it is classified as an engineered stone rather than natural stone.
Key Characteristics
Here are some notable features of quartz tops:
- Durability: The combination of hard quartz and resilient resins makes them very durable and resistant to scratches and impacts.
- Non-porous: The resin binders fill the gaps between the quartz particles, resulting in a non-porous surface. This makes them highly resistant to stains and prevents bacteria growth, making them very hygienic.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, quartz tops typically do not require sealing. Cleaning is usually simple, requiring just soap and water.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Pigments and flecks allow for a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic natural stone, concrete, or other materials.
- Consistency: Due to the manufacturing process, color and pattern are generally more consistent from one slab to another compared to natural stone.
Quartz tops are a popular choice for various applications, including:
- Kitchen Countertops
- Bathroom Vanities
- Backsplashes
- Shower Walls
| Component | Composition (by Weight) | Composition (by Volume) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Quartz | 90-95% | ~65% | Bulk material, Hardness |
| Resins and Polymers | 5-10% | ~35% | Binder, Durability, Non-porous |
| Pigments and Flecks | Included in 5-10% | Included in ~35% | Color, Pattern, Aesthetics |
