The Distinct Similarities Between Quartz & Granite

June 10, 2013

The choice between a man-made product and a natural product is not always easy, particularly when man has increasingly found ways to replicate nature in ways that exceed expectation. Quartz and granite are a great example - granite is a beautiful natural stone product that has become a staple for today's traditional countertops, and quartz is a beautiful product of technology that is quickly becoming a staple for today's modern countertops. Origins aside, both materials have distinctive but similar benefits when it comes to any room in the home.

Quartz-Countertop

Benefit: Quartz and Granite both make a statement.

Quartz countertops are cool and sleek. Though there are varieties of quartz counters that imitate the look of granite or other natural stones like travertine and limestone tile (or offer colors we don't even find in nature), popular quartz selections that are solid are excellent for creating a bold contrast against flooring, cabinetry, and wall tile. White quartz countertops, for example, are a great fit for ultra-modern looks with dark cabinets and stainless steel.

Granite countertops are warm and sophisticated. The flecks and movement of the stone creates a wide variety of looks, and can serve as fantastic accent against lighter or darker flooring, cabinetry, and wall tile. Granite remains MSI's most popular surface choice because of its overall pleasing beauty, luxurious look, and versatility.

Benefit: Quartz and Granite are both durable.

Quartz countertops are known for being impervious to stains and scratches as well as scorch resistant. A quartz counter is easy to clean and does not require sealing or re-polishing. This is attributed to the mixture of quartz (a natural mineral) and resin (a man-made polymer that strengths and fills in spaces in the material).

Scratching or etching a granite slab isn't easy to do because the stone itself is so hard. Granite countertops do need to be finished and sealed to protect it from stains and spills, but finishing granite actually allows for further customization. Granite may be highly polished, honed, brushed, or leathered, depending on desired look and theme of the room.

Santa-Cecelia

Benefit: Quartz and Granite are both easy to clean.

Because quartz is smooth with very low porosity, the surface does not harbor bacteria and microorganisms. This makes quartz a very hygienic choice. The majority of household cleaners are safe for use, and on a daily basis, a dust cloth or wet paper towel is enough to keep it clean and looking beautiful.

When properly sealed, granite is equally easy to clean. Dusting with a microfiber cloth regularly is recommended for granite (as well as quartz). Spills are easily eliminated with a damp cloth, and when deeper cleaning is desired, low pH cleansers designed for natural stone may be used.

Quartz and granite both begin as part of Earth's crust. Quartz is fused with resin to form a countertop, whereas granite is cut, finished, and sealed. Equally excellent choices, both are distinctly beautiful for kitchens and bathrooms - it is their look, rather than their similarities and differences, that will likely answer the question of which material will be the centerpiece of your next project.

MSI is the leading importer and distributor of countertop materials and offers hundreds of selections of both quartz and granite to create exciting countertops for your traditional or contemporary needs.

Read More About Granite and Quartz:

Granite And Quartz Countertops Compared
Choosing Between Black Granite and Black Quartz Countertops
Which To Choose: Quartz Versus Granite
READ MORE ABOUT GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

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The Latest Marble & Granite Countertop Trends – Waterfalls, Brushed Finishes, And More

The Right Finish for Lifestyle & Maintenance - Part 2: Polished, Honed, And Brushed Finishes For Granite Floors

The Top 5 Most Popular Colors for Granite Countertops