A natural stone for kitchens and bathrooms



Quartz (sometimes called Quartzite) is another natural stone material used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is sought after primarily because quartz is a crystalline substance of much beauty and depth that adds shimmering good looks to any surface.



Natural quartz is an extremely hard and dense material that can usually deal with high temperatures and pressures without damage. The surface of natural quarried quartz can be incredibly smooth, making it highly desirable for countertop use. Quartz is also just as strong as both granite and marble due to its tough internal structure. It is also far less porous than both of these surfaces, meaning less fear of stains permanently damaging the surface.



There are other types of engineered quartz available that tend to be cheaper than 100% natural mined quartz. Both Cambria and DuPont's Zodiaq brands have engineered quartz ranges currently on the market, each with around 25 color choices. Both Cambria and Zodiaq's engineered quartz ranges are made in a similar way. Ground quartz particles are added to a small amount of colored resin (around 5%). This mixture is than baked, pressed and polished. The resulting material is extremely non-porous, very hard and has a baked-in shine that will not dull substantially over time. The depth of sparkling quartz crystals and overall shine in engineered quartz countertops like these is very appealing to the eye. Although ­– being an engineered product – is does not quite have the same natural variety of grain and texture you would find in a natural quartz slab. However, if you desire the look of quartz without the maintenance problems, Cambria and Zodiaq's engineered quartz ranges are a good compromise.