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Granite Vs. Quartz
If there is a question we get asked very single day it would be, What is the difference between Granite and Quartz?
Granite is an igneous type rock created from molten material (magma) that flows and solidifies underground. The natural swirls and pattern are created as the magma slowly cools and is mixed with the contents of the stone such as quartz and mica. Large chunks of the granite are mined from mountains prominently in Brazil and India and are cut and polished into slabs then shipped all around the world.
Quartz is an engineered material created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately 95 percent of natural quartz with 5 percent polymer resins to create the color and bond. There are many brands that manufacture quartz slabs with each brand offering their own unique collection and color pallette.
A Follow up questions is almost always, Which is more durable?
Natural stone is one of the oldest and most durable building material in the world. It truly stands the test of time as natural stone has been used for centuries all over the world. It is also durable enough for any type of indoor and outdoor application such as flooring, walls, building facades, counter tops, etc. It is heat resistant and extremely hard to scratch. Being 100% natural stone, it is a porous material which does have to be sealed every so often.
Quartz is also an extremely durable material which can also be used for many indoor applications. However, it is not recommended for outdoors as its surface may discolor with the direct heat of the sun. Quartz is also heat resistant from pots and pans however scratches are more visible on its more solid surface. Quartz is not a porous stone and does not need to be sealed.
Lastly, What is the main aesthetic difference between granite and quartz?
All granite is created from Mother Nature. The coloration, pattern and movements of the stone will be unique and unpredictable each and every time. Like a snow flake, no two slabs of granite will ever be the same.
Unlike granite, Quartz is manufactured in bulk and created to be identical to match a color or repeat a design. Quartz is appealing to customers looking for solid colors or a more predictable pattern.