Here is some general information about quartz used for kitchen surfaces. Read more about this type of kitchen counter on our main page.
Quartz Worktops Are Worth the High Investment, Here’s Why
Quartz is one of the more popular materials used in kitchen worktops because it has the complexity and beauty of natural stone but with a more superior durability and quality.
This is why Quartz worktops are highly in demand and are perfect for anyone who puts practicality and versatility over any other attributes.
What makes Quartz so special?
It is earth’s second most abundant material found in the continental crust. It is composed of oxygen and silicon atoms that make up a continuous framework.
It comes in two chiral forms, and has many different varieties, some of which are semi-precious gemstones. This explains why Quartz is commonly used in jewellery as well as in hardstone carvings.
Some of them are naturally occurring, while others are treated to induce colour.
Along with its various types are various colours, such as Blue Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine, Prasiolite, Milky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Dumortierite Quartz, and Smoky Quartz. The colourless Quartz, on the other hand, are Herkimer Diamond and Rock crystal.
In prehistoric Ireland, as well as in many other countries, Quartz is used to make stone tools. Rock crystal and vein Quartz are knapped as part of prehistoric people’s lithic technology.
In Eurasia, Quartz is commonly used for hardstone carving and for making jewellery. Some of the carvings made of Quartz include cameo gems, engraved gems, intricately designed vessels, and crystal vases.
It was Nicolas Steno who paved the way for modern crystallography. In 17th century, he studied and discovered that no matter the shape and size of a Quartz crystal, the long prism faces will always converge at a perfect 60-degree angle.
In 1880, Jacques and Pierre Curie discovered the piezoelectric properties of Quartz. These types of crystals develop an electrical potential when mechanical stress is applied. An early example of this is the phonograph pickups.
In the mid-19th century, efforts to synthesize Quartz started and German geologist Karl Emil von Schafhäutl was the first person to successfully synthesize Quartz using a pressure cooker. The microscopic Quartz crystals he created in 1845, however, had poor quality.
Quartz as a worktop
Because it is hard-wearing, easy to clean, antibacterial, and comes in various range of colours, Quartz worktops are in great demand despite them being expensive and very heavy. These surfaces can last a lifetime.
Beyond the price and weight, however, is a worktop that you’re going to love for a lot of reasons.
Colour options
Some of the Quartz worktop colours include black, brown, grey, marble, white, and cream. And then there are those with patterns and different surface designs, such as Pebble, Atlantic Salt, Calacattan Nuvo, and Excava.
Different providers offer different designs of Quartz worktops.
Maintenance needs
Because Quartz is naturally resistant to scratching and staining, you don’t need to do a lot of work to keep it in good shape. Just wipe off the stain and you’re done.
The only thing you need to be careful of is placing hot items on the surface. This is because Quartz is less resistant compared to granite.
When buying Quartz worktops, list down the following:
- Dimension or measurement of your kitchen worktop
- Details of any cut outs, such as where electrical sockets, hobs, and taps will be placed.
- Your preferred colour, which is normally based on the theme or colour scheme of your kitchen.
If a Quartz worktop is added as part of a new kitchen, or that you do not have a kitchen plan, consult with providers and installers. Visit our Quartz Worktops page for more information about this great addition to your kitchen.
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