How It's Made:

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% to 93% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 7-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.

 

 

 

Environmental Impact:

 

 Light-Moderate. Quartz is the second most abundant material in the earth's crust (which is good), but the acrylic resins used in quartz countertops are petroleum by-products, and they often contain alumina trihydrate fillers made from bauxite ore, which is mined primarily in developing countries. However, the countertops are still extremely durable and non-porous. Additionally, a few major brands like Silestone have been certified by GreenGuard as low emitting. Other brands, like Cambria Quartz, are mined and made entirely in the USA.

 

Pros:

 Extremely hard and durable; glossy sheen; new honed and sued finishes in certain brand colors; non-porous and stain-and-crack resistant; does not require sealing or resealing; wide range of colors; easy to clean with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.

 

Cons:

  Not heat tolerant over 400 degrees; due to limited slab sizing seams are inevitable for large countertop designs.

 

Fabrication and Installation:

Contact Alpha Marble and Granite at (408)947-1541. Professional fabrication and installation strongly recommended.