Quartz is a mineral. Unlike other stones such as granite and marble, that are quarried, there is no rock called quartz.

So, how are quartz countertops made? Where does the quartz stone come from?

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon oxide, which is silicone and oxygen. When it is pure, it is clear. However, you can find it in different colors based on the impurities it has. Some of these colors are; white for milky quartz, pink or rose quartz, yellow, black or smoky quartz, orange or yellow quartz, and purple or amethyst quartz.

The mineral is hard and it resists erosion, whether chemical or physical. This explains why it is preferred for many uses including making countertops.

Where Is Quartz Found?

The mineral quartz is plenty on the earth’s crust. In fact, it is the second to feldspar. You will find quartz in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Most of the quartz is formed when molten magma crystallizes. If you look at the white sand on the beach, you can find it.

How Is Quartz Stone Formed?

Since quartz is a mineral, it takes a process to make quartz stone.

First, the mineral quartz is ground into tiny particles. Resin, which is used to bind the mineral, is then added as well as pigments to give it color. The mixture is then put in special mixers to blend. The composite substance is then poured into a mold to form slabs. To make them durable, the slabs are then baked at high temperatures.

Now you have the quartz stone, which is used in construction, such as in making countertops.

Why Is Quartz Stone Popular?

There are many reasons why most builders and homeowners prefer materials made using the quartz stone. Some of these include:

• It is durable

The quartz mineral is durable. It is hard to break at and ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Also, it does not weather and so you will find it eroded in rivers, beaches and in soil. This feature means that the quartz stone is durable as well especially after it is bound with resin.

In addition, it is nonporous unlike other stones such as marble. That is why it has become popular for making vanity tops, kitchen countertops, backsplash, and other fixtures at home and in the office.

• Affordable

In comparison to other stones, quartz stone is affordable. Therefore, the initial cost is manageable especially to those who are working on a budget.

Also, it has low maintenance costs. You will not incur sealing and polishing costs the way other stones such as marble require. It only requires you to wash with soap and water to remain shiny for a long time to come.

• It Is Visually Appealing

If you want your home or office décor to stand out, then quartz stone can do that. Naturally, quartz is visually appealing. Also, the surface of the slabs goes through a polishing process that makes them look appealing.

You can use the quartz stone as the centerpiece of your décor.

• It is Versatile

Quartz stone can be used to make lookalikes of other stones such as the calacatta or Carrara marble. The result is the attractiveness of marble with the benefits of quartz.