Information Regarding Quartz Natural Surfaces

One of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops is quartz. In this article we will delve into this practical and ubiquitous material commonly used for surfaces in the home. In our discussion we will look at what quartz is, how it is made, and what it is used for. Additionally, we will explore color selections and brands.

What Is Quartz?

Answering the question "what is quartz?" depends on the context in which you are asking the question. There is a quartz mineral that occurs naturally. This mineral is a component of some natural stone and is also used to engineer other materials.

Another definition for "quartz" is one that is used in the countertop industry. This term is commonly used to describe certain materials used for hard surfaces in the home. This is the quartz we are referring to in this article. So, what is the quartz material used for hard surfaces?

Quartz Countertop Material

Quartz surfaces are engineered using various formulas that consist of varying amounts of resins mixed with the mineral of the same name, "quartz". Most quartz producers will disclose the ratio of quartz to resin used in their particular formula. For example here are some of the mineral to resin ratios from some popular quartz producers*:

As you can see from the table above, the bulk of the weight in these kinds of surfaces is natural quartz mineral. While other materials may be combined with the quartz during the engineering process, the vast majority of the natural raw material is quartz. Thus, the term "quartz surfaces". But why are quartz surfaces so popular? one of the reasons for the popularity of quartz surfaces is their properties.

Properties of Quartz

A little bit of research about quartz surfaces reveals that these surfaces have some very appealing properties. One of the main things that makes quartz so desirable is that the material is non-porous. This means that liquids that are left on the surface of the material do not penetrate the surface and soak into the material. Why is that so important?

When a surface in the home is porous, it means that household liquids that get spilled on the surface can soak into the material. If the liquid is pigmented or has a color different form that of the material, it can leave a stain. So, the non-porous nature of quartz surfaces means that any discolorations that happen to occur will stay on the surface of the material. In turn, this makes treating the spot easier since it is merely on the surface and not inside the pores.

Another appealing trait of quartz hard surfaces is that they are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Since these surfaces are engineered, it can be easier to find specific colors that might be required for a particular design.

Because quartz surfaces are stain resistant and the color variety is so vast, they have become very popular for a number of uses.

Uses for Quartz

The use cases for quartz surfaces stem from the range of available colors as well as the stain resistant properties of the material. It is no surprise then, that the material has come to find a place in the practical uses of home furnishings. Let's briefly consider some of the uses for quartz surfaces in residential areas.

Kitchen Countertops

One main use for quartz material in a home is for countertops in the kitchen. We have already explored why quartz surfaces are desirable as a household material. In the kitchen, the stain resistant nature of the material as well as the versatility of the potential color palette is even more important. Perhaps the most important room for valuating a home, the kitchen is an extremely important room to get "just right" when it comes to decor and functionality.

Bathroom Vanities

Though kitchen surfaces as well as the design are commonly touted as the most important room in the home, bathrooms are right behind them in importance. Therefore, getting the bathroom designed in an appealing way and functional manner. Quartz surfaces allow for this. Bathroom vanities are frequently made from this material and again, because they hold up against stains, they are a great fit for bathroom countertops.

Other Hard Surfaces

The functionality of quartz surfaces is not limited to kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz worktops and other hard surfaces are commonly found in a variety of settings. Both in the home and in commercial environments, quartz surfaces play a significant role in design and architecture. Some other kinds of surfaces that quartz is used for include:

• Shower Walls
• Worktops
• Conference Table Tops

Wherever you need a hard surface to be nonporous and resistant to stains, you might want to consider quartz surfaces.

Quartz Brands & Color Selection

As we mentioned earlier, quartz is produced by a number of companies. And, as we stated earlier, the color selection is vast. In fact, there are so many colors to from, that it would be difficult to list all of the colors that you could choose for an interior design project. But having a basic idea of some of the quartz producers can be beneficial to you as you shop for a surface. The following table provides a list of quartz producers that each offer their own quartz surfaces:

• ADD
• ADVANCED KITCHEN & BATH
• AUREA STONE
• AVANZA
• BASIX QUARTZ
• BELENCO
• BELTRAMI
• CAESARSTONE
• CERASTONE
• CIMSTONE
• COLOR SURFACES
• COLORQUARTZ
• COMPAC
• COSMOS QUARTZ
• CORIAN
• CURAVA
• DAKOTA QUARTZ
• DELLA TERRA
• DIAMANTE QUARTZ
• DIFINITI
• DIRESCO
• ELEMENTS
• ELLIPSE
• EMPEROR QUARTZ
• EQUS
• ESSA STONE
• FIR STONE
• FORMICA STONE
• FOUR ELEMENTS
• GEMINI QUARTZ
• GEOS
• GIOSTONE
• GLOBALSTONE
• GS QUARTZ
• HANSTONE
• IRAH QUARTZ
• KALINGA STONE
• KIVESTA QUARTZ
• KSTONE
• LEGACY QUARTZ
• LG VIATERA
• LIDO
• LUCASTONE
• METROQUARTZ
• MONICA
• MONT SURFACES
• NATURAQUARTZ
• NATURASTONE
• NUSTONE
• OKITE
• OMNIA
• ONE QUARTZ
• ORION
• PACSHORE QUARTZ
• PENTAL
• POLARSTONE
• POMPEII QUARTZ
• PRESTIGESTONE
• PURIVO QUARTZ
• Q FROM MSI
• QSTONE
• QUANTRA
• QUANTUM QUARTZ
• QUARELLA
• QUARTEX SURFACES
• QUARTZ EFFECTS
• QUARTZ MASTER
• QUARTZ NATUR
• QUARTZFORMS
• QUARTZNATURE
• QUARTZFORMS CANADA
• RENEWMAX
• ROMAXX
• ROXX
• SANTA MARGHERITA
• SEQUEL
• SILESTONE
• SIQUARTZ
• SMARTSTONE
• SPECTRUM QUARTZ
• STARON RADIANZ
• STONE ITALIANA
• SUN STONE QUARTZ
• TCE STONE
• TECHNISTONE
• TERRASTONE
• TOTEM QUARTZ
• TRAFFICSTONE
• U QUARTZ
• VADARA
• VENETIAN FROM MSI
• VERSATOP
• VICOSTONE
• VTI TRUQUARTZ
• WILSONART QUARTZ
• ZENITH
• ZODIAQ

The quartz surface producers listed above each have a particular set of colors and/or selections in which they group their slabs. For a list of colors you can choose a brand from the table above. The brand page will give you a basic summary of the material and the colors each brand has.

Cartridge Glue for Quartz Fabrication

Fabricating and installing quartz surfaces with the proper adhesive is key for stone fabrication professionals. We recommended Multibond cartridge glue for quartz surfaces. Fabricating quartz, as you know, means using quality products for cutting, shaping, coring and gluing the material you are fabricating.

Quartz surfaces will no doubt continue to be a popular choice for all sorts of surfaces in a variety of applications. Knowing a bit about the material, what kinds of uses it offers and which brands of quartz are available can be helpful to anyone that is considering a new surface or room in the home.