Quartz is a manufactured stone. It is basically a hard crystalline mineral composed of Silicon and Oxygen atoms. It is the most abundant mineral found on the Earth’s surface. The unique properties make it one of the most used natural substances. It is found in all forms of rock. Quartz worktops have much economic importance. Many varieties of gemstones and sandstones are of quartz material used in Jewellery, and Construction. It is widely used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and abrasives Quartz, a mineral present in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, is a key constituent of granite pegmatites, and a main component of sandstones. It is a hard crystalline mineral composed of silica. They can be found in a wide variety of colours like fiery red, olive green, earthy tones, cream etc, and veining that shimmers to match the magnificence of granite or marble. Quartz stones are engineered in factories. Composition of Quartz Worktops The composition primarily consists of 94% quartz which is mixed with Polyester resin and pigments to give an attractive looking colour. Minor amounts of glass or metallic specks are added to the mix to develop new designs. The resins bind the mix together and also help in making the counters stain and scratch-resistant and nonporous, as a result of which they do not require sealing. Natural-quartz crystals are mined and ground into a powder form or an aggregate, which is further fused with poly resin binders and pigments that impart colour under intense heat and pressure to form a solid slab. In the past, the drawback against quartz was the limited number of patterns and colour variations. But the situation has changed with all the manufacturers presenting multi-shaded slabs with enough specks, swirls, and random patterning to make them almost indistinguishable from the natural stone quartz worktops near me. Unlike in the past when it was only available in a polished finish, it is now available with a honed, sandblasted, or embossed treatment too. Whether you are looking for a leathered limestone, textured slab, or glossy marble, we have a quartz kitchen countertop just to suit your needs. Natural Characteristics of Quartz Worktops Appearance: Quartz countertops are naturally beautiful. The stunning appearance is determined by the size of granules used in the making process. Using finer granules will result in a steady pattern and appearance. Larger crystals will create a flecked appearance, similar to granite countertops. Find quartz worktops near me in the UK that have a wide range of colours, ranging from neutral earthy tones to bold vibrant to match your personal taste. Durability: Quartz worktops are stronger than granite countertops. They are less susceptible to chipping and cracking due to sharp objects and falling utensils. Although not scratch-proof, they are highly scratch-resistant from normal wear and tear as compared to granite worktops. However, with mishandling of a large sum of weight and force, quartz countertops could be damaged. Scratch Marks: Quartz has the capacity to resist short exposure to heat without causing damage to the work surface. Long periods of heat exposure can cause cracking to occur due to the rapid temperature change. To avoid undesirable consequences, it is recommended to use a hot pad or trivet under a hot pot. Absorption: Quartz countertops have a non-porous surface. This means quartz will not absorb water or other kitchen fluids. This is a major advantage when compared to other natural stone worktops materials. Resistant to Staining: Quartz worktops will not stain from common kitchen liquids, such as coffee, tea, or lemon juice whereas natural stones like Granite and other worktop materials would easily be if proper care and attention are not given to cleaning and sealing. No Sealing Necessary: Unlike the Granite countertops which require a sealer after installation and reapplication on a yearly basis to prevent staining, sealing is not needed for quartz countertops as the surface is non-porous. They are relatively maintenance-free when compared to other countertop materials. Resistant to Bacteria: The growth of bacteria occurs when moisture and food remain unattended on the workstation. Since Quartz is a non-porous material, problems due to bacterial growth will not arise. Types of Textures Quartz worktops are engineered stone products that can be used in virtually any design application. They are subjected to a texture-defining process resulting in a stunning finish with a pleasing appearance. The different types of finishes are listed below: Polished Finish: This is the most common type of finish for a quartz slab. A polished finish results in qualities of the stone worktops getting highlighted well to make the colours and texture stand out vibrantly. Polished surfaces are easy to clean as they are sealed to keep any liquid from seeping in and moisture out of it.