Quartz is found in many different countries around the world including the United States, Brazil, Canada, Germany and more! It is the 4th hardest crystalline mineral on Earth and is found all over the world in different forms. When it comes to using quartz for countertops and other surfaces, it is a great choice because of its composition. Most quartz slabs are composed of about 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments. Quartz slabs are free of fissures and cracks, impermeable to moisture, water, and bacteria because they are non-porous without the need to be sealed, and are approximately 2 times harder than granite. In addition to being non-porous, characteristics of quartz slabs include scratch, stain, heat, and etch resistance, durable, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly.
When thinking about quartz design, all designs can be broken down into two categories: palette and pattern. The palette refers to the color of the design meaning the tone and the hue while the pattern refers to the look of the design which means it can be solid, veined, uniform or have movement. Slabs are traditionally 55” x 120” or 65” x 130” for jumbo slabs in 1.3, 2, or 3 cm.
Quartz can be finished in numerous ways to create different looks. Polished is smooth and emphasizes the color and luster of the quartz. It requires minimal care and maintenance. Honed has a low sheen and is not as formal as polished. It is smooth and is also known as a leathered finish. Popular colors in quartz countertops include taupe, beige, and variations of white. It is becoming popular to mix two colors of quartz in one space as it is mixing colors of cabinets. Bringing the quartz up the backsplash creates a bold look with no seams meaning it is easy to care for and therefore, highly desirable.
One of the main benefits of quartz is how simple and easy the care and maintenance is. For daily cleaning, mild soap with water works great and it is recommended to use a non-abrasive cloth. Removing stains may require more work so it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer for product recommendations.
