Granite Countertops vs Quartz: Materials Compared
Granite countertops vs quartz: When choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen, you may be wondering what the difference is between granite and quartz. Click on the following sections to learn more.
If you are looking for the widest selection of granite and quartz countertops in Southern Ontario, contact our highly experienced stone countertop specialists now. You can even visit our warehouse and select the perfect slab for your space.
Granite Countertops vs Quartz
When comparing granite countertops vs quartz, the main difference is that a granite countertop is actually a natural stone that has been quarried and cut into a slab to form your countertop.
A quartz countertop, on the other hand, is a man-made product that is formed mostly from ground quartz mixed with resins and pigments. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these materials.
1. Formation and Composition
Granite
Granite is a type of igneous rock that is characterized by its coarse-grained texture and primarily consists of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is one of the most common types of rocks found in Earth's crust and is widely used both in construction and as a decorative material. It is also a popular choice for countertops.
Granite is a course-grained, textured igneous rock - Image source: Jstuby at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Granite is primarily composed of the following three main minerals:
Quartz: This mineral gives granite its hardness and durability.
Feldspar: Feldspar minerals provide the color and pattern variations in granite.
Mica: Mica adds a reflective quality to the rock and can give it a sparkly appearance.
Granite forms deep within the Earth's crust through the slow cooling and solidification of molten rock called magma. The slow cooling allows large mineral crystals to form, giving granite its characteristic texture.
Quartz
Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It belongs to the group of minerals known as silicates. It is one of the most abundant minerals on earth and has a wide range of uses due to its unique properties.
Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure, and its mineral grains often form six-sided prisms with pointed ends. These distinctive crystal shapes are a notable feature of quartz.
How Quartz Countertops Are Made:
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces that combine natural quartz crystals with resins, polymers, and pigments to create a durable and aesthetically pleasing material for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Granite Countertops vs Quartz: Quartz countertops go through a complex process to give you a beautiful end product.
The natural quartz crystals are crushed into small, uniform particles of varying sizes. The size and color of these particles can be controlled to create specific designs. The crushed quartz is then mixed with resins, polymers, pigments, and any desired additives in precise proportions.
The mixture is thoroughly blended to ensure uniform distribution of materials. The mixed quartz material is then poured into molds or forms in slab-sized shapes that are trimmed and cut into the dimensions of your countertop.
2. Texture
Granite
Granite has a coarse-grained texture. This means that its mineral grains are relatively large and easily visible to the naked eye. It can also accept a brilliant polish which makes it a wonderful choice if you are looking for a stunning countertop.
Most granite countertops are finished with a polished surface. The polishing process involves grinding and buffing the surface to a high sheen, which enhances the natural colors and patterns of the stone.
Quartz
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of finishes and textures.
The texture of a quartz countertop can vary depending on the specific finish applied to the surface. Quartz countertops are available in a range of finishes, each with its own unique texture and appearance from smooth and glossy to more textured with a matte or satin finish.
Each texture offers a different look and feel, so you can select the one that best complements your design style and practical needs.
3. Durability
Granite
Granite is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is a hard rock that can withstand heavy use and is less prone to scratching, chipping, and staining compared to some other countertop materials.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are also known for their durability and are considered one of the most resilient options for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Quartz is a naturally hard mineral, and quartz countertops have a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This is a very high rating as a steel nail is only given a rating of 6.5.
This makes them highly resistant to scratches, dings, and other forms of physical damage that can occur in a busy kitchen.
4. Colours & Patterns
Granite
Granite Countertops vs Quartz: Both come in a wide variety of colours and patterns.
Granite comes in a wide range of colors, including shades of white, light gray, dark grey, pink, red, green, and black. Each granite slab can have unique patterns and mineral compositions, making it a popular choice for countertops, flooring, and other decorative applications.
Quartz
The engineered nature of quartz countertops ensures color consistency throughout the slab. Unlike natural stones that can have variations in color and pattern, quartz countertops maintain a consistent appearance. Quartz countertops also come in a wide variety of colours including white, light gray, dark grey, pink, red, green, and black.
5. Cost
On average, quartz countertops will generally cost more than granite ones. However, the cost of countertops, both granite and quartz, can vary significantly based on several factors, including the following:
Type and thickness of countertop you choose
The size of countertop you need
The layout of your kitchen or bathroom
The complexity of the installation
Your location
The supplier or fabricator you choose
To get an accurate coutertop cost estimate, it's best to contact your local granite and quartz countertop supplier. They can provide you with a detailed quote based on your preferences and measurements.
In addition, make sure you consider any additional costs associated with the installation and other customization options you may choose such as edge profiles, sink cutouts, and backsplashes.
6. Maintenance & Cleaning
Granite
Granite Countertops vs Quartz: Granite countertops need more maintenance than quartz.
Cleaning and maintaining a granite countertop is relatively easy, however, they do require a bit more attention than quartz countertops. Here are some guidelines on how to clean and maintain a granite countertop:
Daily or Regular Cleaning
Use Warm Water and Mild Soap: For everyday cleaning, simply wipe down the countertop with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and a mild, pH-balanced dish soap. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, be sure to dry the countertop with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots or streaks.
Preventing Stains
Immediate Cleanup: Wipe up spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Granite is porous, and certain substances like red wine, coffee, and oil can penetrate the surface if left untreated.
Use Coasters and Trivets: Place coasters or mats under glasses, bottles, and hot cookware to protect the surface from moisture and heat.
Periodic Cleaning
Deep Cleaning: Periodically, perform a deeper cleaning using a granite-specific cleaner or a mixture of warm water and isopropyl alcohol (50:50). This can help remove any residues or stains that regular cleaning may not remove. Do not use vinegar or citrus-based cleaners on granite countertops, as the acid can harm the stone's finish.
Sealing
Check the Seal: Granite countertops are typically sealed to protect them from stains and spills. The frequency of resealing depends on the type of granite and usage. To check if your countertop needs resealing, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the seal is still effective. If it soaks into the granite, it's time to reseal.
If resealing is necessary, use a high-quality granite sealer following the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the sealer evenly, allow it to penetrate the surface, and then wipe off any excess.
Additional Tips:
Avoid Scratches: Use cutting boards to protect the countertop from scratches. While granite is durable, sharp knives can potentially scratch the surface.
Avoid Heavy Impact: Be careful when handling heavy objects near the countertop, as dropping or banging heavy items can chip or crack the granite.
Avoid Standing or Sitting: Granite countertops are not designed to support the weight of a person, so avoid standing or sitting on them.
Quartz
Granite Countertops vs Quartz: Quartz countertops do not need to be resealed.
Quartz countertops are easy to clean and maintain. They require no special cleaning products or treatments, and regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them looking their best.
Resistance to Stains
Quartz countertops are non-porous, which means they do not absorb liquids or stains easily. This makes them highly resistant to staining from common kitchen substances like coffee, wine, and oil. Unlike natural stones such as marble or granite, quartz countertops do not require sealing to maintain their stain resistance.
Daily or Regular Cleaning
For everyday cleaning, mix warm water with a few drops of mild, pH-balanced dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth or a sponge with this soapy water solution. Gently wipe down the countertop with the soapy cloth or sponge to remove any dirt, spills, or residue.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface. Rinse the countertop thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue. After cleaning and rinsing, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to dry the countertop surface. This helps prevent water spots and streaks.
Heat Resistance
While quartz countertops can withstand moderate heat, it's essential to use trivets or hot pads for very hot pots and pans. Sudden extreme temperature changes can potentially cause thermal shock and damage the surface.
Impact Resistance
Quartz countertops are less likely to chip or crack compared to natural stone countertops like granite. However, excessive force or impacts can still cause damage, so it's advisable to use cutting boards and take care when handling heavy objects.
Sealing Not Required
Unlike natural stone countertops, quartz does not need sealing because it is non-porous.
Hygienic
Quartz countertops are non-porous and as a result are less likely to harbor bacteria or mold when properly cleaned.
Granite Countertops & Quartz Countertops: Natural Stone City Has Any Colour You Want & More
Natural Stone City has the largest selection of Granite, Quartzite and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 100 colour options. You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Better value for your dollar
Any color you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Unbelievable customer service. We wanted to replace a sink with a larger one in our kitchen island. They came on a Thursday afternoon to remove a 4’ x 9’ granite slab, re-cut the sink hole and reinstalled it with a new sink THE NEXT DAY. They didn’t even give me enough time to book a plumber to reconfigure the drains :). Thank you so much to Aura, Daniel and the team for turning this around so quickly!”
