QUARTZ
Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz (not to be confused with Quartzite) is a manmade product created mostly from natural materials. It's made of 90 to 94 percent ground quartz and 6 to 10 percent resins and pigments that are combined into durable and nonporous slabs. Both Silestone and Caesarstone brands have engineered quartz ranges currently on the market, each with around 50 color choices. Ground quartz particles are added to a small amount of colored resin (around 5%). This mixture is then 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 – it 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, Caesarstone and Silestone’s engineered quartz ranges are a good compromise.
Natural Quartz
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.
Quartz Manufacturers
Quartz Manufacturers available from Bedrock