Difference between Granite and Quartz
Some of the most common questions that people ask while choosing the countertop: “What’s the difference between granite and quartz? Is it natural or not? Is it safe to use? What is the cost?
What’s the difference between granite and quartz? Natural or Not?
Both materials are natural, but one comes out slightly ahead.
Granite: 100% natural and it is literally sliced from quarries, cut to size and polished until they are smooth.
Quarts: about 92% natural. Quarts countertops are man-made engineered by combining 90% natural hard mineral (crushed stone) with 8-10% resins, polymers and pigments. The combination forms granite-like surface. Quartz is the most common mineral in the Earth’s crust.
When it comes to performance, Consumer Reports Magazine shows virtually there is no difference between quartz and granite. Both materials are very durable.
One important factor to take into consideration with quartz -it can discolor over time if it is exposed to UV rays.
Is it safe to Use?
Both, Granite and Quartz are safe to use. The main difference is in their structure. Granite and marble are porous stones with tiny capillaries, but when properly sealed, it is safe to use and there should be no concern about staining. Quartz is non-porous stone and has no channels; therefore doesn’t require sealing.
Cost
The cost of the granite depends on what level you choose. Usually quartz is more than some levels of granite, but of course, if you would like to go with more exotic granite then the price would go up.
