All About Quartz Countertops

Arizona Quartz countertops are made out of one of the hardest minerals on earth. They are arguably the most durable solution for kitchens. Furthermore, having a quartz countertop is also an impressive feature that can add immense value to your home.  They come in a large variety of colors, including bright red, light green, black, creams, and many earthy brown shades that can really complete your kitchen look.

Quartz Countetops

Where is Quartz Found?

You can find quartz all over the world, but the places that have the largest quartz mines are Arkansas and Brazil. In fact, the largest quartz crystal was found in Brazil, weighing 44 tons. Aside from that, places like high mountaintops, beaches, deserts, and rivers all contain large amounts of quartz.

Why Are Quartz Countertops So Popular?

Quartz countertops are very popular for ideal kitchen setups. The reason for this is because it is tough, durable, and is factory produced. Quartz is often called the “engineered stone” for that particular reason. Other reasons why people love this countertop include:

  • The variety of colors makes it easy to find one that matches the kitchen theme.
  • Quartz is very strong and unlikely to crack or chip.
  • The non-porous material will not harbor bacteria like other countertop materials.
  • It is exceptionally resistant to stains such as oils and juices, and these spills do not affect the color.

Quartz Countertops Are Not Solid Quartz

When you invest in a quartz countertop, you are getting more than just quartz. It is mixed together with other elements such as a polymeric or cement-based binder. There is a lot of rock material holding the countertop together, and the binders are what gives it that quartz countertop stone look and feel.

All Quartz Countertops Come from One Source

The technology of creating engineered stone was developed in 1963 by the Breton Company in Italy. Even though it has been over 50 years, they are still operating successfully and is licensed to more than 50 other companies worldwide. The companies that Breton works will undoubtedly add their own twist to their countertop engineering, but they all still follow the same original patent from the founders.

What Do They Cost?

Cost is a significant factor on whether or not someone is willing to invest in something. With that being said, quartz countertop cost really depends on the quality of the stone and the brand you buy it from. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay somewhere around $30 per sq. ft. for a low quality one and $150 or more per sq. ft. for the higher end ones.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or simply want to upgrade your countertops, then you may want to consider implementing quartz into your design to give it that unique and luxurious feel while still being practical. It is undeniable that this naturally derived earth mineral is a beautiful asset, and bringing it into your home will surely make a statement.