What is Quartz or Quartzstone? Everything you need to know!

Quartzstone, often referred to as Quartz, is a mined compound that is generally found near the earth’s crust, it is the worlds 2nd most abundant mineral and comes in various varieties. The most common forms of Quartz are Amethyst, Ametrine, Rose, Carnelian, Onyx, Jasper, and Agate Quartz. These minerals have been used to make quartz kitchen worktops for decades. To this day it is one of the most popular choices among people upgrading their kitchens.

So how are they made?

Quartzstone worktops do have to go through a very long process before even being turned into a worktop. The mineral is mined and ground into an aggregate which later is transported and then fused with resin under intense pressure and heat to form a stunning Quartz worktop. During the process of imparting colour into the worktop, small pigments are added to give its trademark beautiful glisten.

What’s the cost?

As Quartzstone takes a lot of time and hours to be constructed it does come with quite an expensive price tag. If your thinking about changing to Quartz stone then you will be looking to pay roughly the same price as natural stone. However, prices are subject to the style and amount you require. Not only is the worktop itself quite expensive but also you may need to factor it the cost of fitting too. If you are not a qualified professional we would recommend you get someone to do the job for you, as there is no room for error. The quartzstone is templated and buffered on-site when ready to install. A diamond blade is used to cut the trim the edges.

How long will it last?

Quartzstone does have a very long lifespan as it is very strong and durable. Each life expectancy will depend on the manufacturer and also on the way they are treated. It is certainly worth doing your research before committing to purchasing a quartzstone worktop. No doubt if you do decided that it is the right choice for you, you will be investing in a product that will last over 15 years.

After care

Unlike natural stone or solid wood worktops, quartzstone does not need to be sealed as it is not a porous material. It is completely waterproof. Which makes cleaning really easy. Use a damp cloth with warm soapy water and wipe away. Try to refrain from using scouring pads to remove stains as it can dull the worktop surface. Also, refrain from using any heavy chemicals as this can affect the resin bond in the worktop. Finally try to not place any hot pans on the surface as it can cause cracking as the heat will melt the resin. If you have a habit of placing pans on your work surface, it is worth investing in a good heatproof mat or chopping board to transfer your pan to.

If you are looking for any further information on a quartzstone worktop and want to know what is available to you, click the link below to find out how we might just be able to help you.