Granite and Quartz Worktops, the differences & similarities
Granite is a natural stone, it is a hard surface measuring 6 on the MOH’s hardness scale however, it being an igneous rock, i.e. rock formed after the cooling down of molten rock, it consists of numerous minerals including , feldspar, augite, hornblende, etc. Some are hard, others not particularly. It is held together by the interlocking of the crystal structure of the various minerals. The material won’t burn/scorch; it is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material. They occur naturally and are considered to be part of the beauty of stone, while the material is ordinarily considered to be stain-resistant, some pigments or oils can be absorbed into the surface. This could cause discoloration and sealer does not prevent this discoloration, so of course it is more vulnerable to staining, even after it has it’s required sealing, it is less resistant to growth of bacteria, is not available in a uniform color surface, but the add more value to wherever they are placed, the material is more expensive per square feet then other leading worktop materials.

luxury black granite worktop

Quartz worktops(Engineered Stone Surfaces) is made up of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments, it will often be made of these more pure crystals, yet they can also be made by combining crystals with resins and other combining agents to create a super-hard surface that will resist scratches that can mar other worktop materials. Additionally, this manufacturing process further strengthens the resistance to water damage, making this style of this worktop one of the most non-porous surfaces available, as if this wasn’t colourful enough in its natural state, the manufactured worktop can be imbued with even more varieties of hues, Pigments can be added during the manufacturing process along with the bonding agents – the result is a selection of color shades that is unequaled in any other natural stone construction material. The material does not stain so easily, more resistant to growth of bacteria, are available in a uniform color surface, engineered worktops do not need sealing and are less expensive then other leading worktop materials.

Some similarities with both worktops you will not get a completely uniform look to the worktop, they are both natural materials and many people buy them for their natural appearance and this means variation, the seams are always visible and both of the materials are very durable but not indestructible and they both will last a lifetime with the proper maintenance, that about does it for the similarities of these two worktops.

quartz worktop

In most individuals opinions, Quartz is the better worktop to go with, it has been used in Europe for more than 40 years, but it is just now starting to move across the Atlantic and gaining market share in America, it is an abundant mineral that’s much harder, on a hardness scale of 1 to 10, with diamonds a 10, quartz is at 7 and granite is 4, less expensive than granite, the list can go on and on to prove which material proves the opinions of individuals to show which is the superior material.