The term “quartz” can be confusing, as it applies to both a naturally occurring mineral and a manufactured product. This distinction is important for consumers. Understanding the differences between these two forms of “quartz” clarifies their origins and properties.
Understanding Natural Quartz
Natural quartz is an abundant mineral, making up about 20 percent of the Earth’s crust. It is primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), forming a continuous framework of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra. This mineral crystallizes from cooling magma deep within the Earth or precipitates from superheated water in hydrothermal environments. These geological processes allow quartz to develop its characteristic crystalline structure. Natural quartz is found in various rock types, including igneous rocks like granite and sedimentary rocks such as sandstone.
The Creation of Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz, often called “quartz” in commercial applications like countertops, is a manufactured product. Its creation involves combining crushed natural quartz with polymer resins, pigments, and other additives. Typically, engineered quartz contains 90-95% natural quartz minerals, with the remaining percentage consisting of resins and coloring agents. This mixture undergoes a specialized manufacturing process using vacuum vibro-compression technology.
During this process, raw materials are blended, then subjected to high pressure and vibration in a vacuum to compact them into solid slabs. This compaction removes air bubbles and creates a dense, uniform material. The slabs are then cured, often in a kiln, to harden the resins and enhance properties like stain resistance. While engineered quartz incorporates natural quartz, the final product is distinctly man-made, designed for specific aesthetic and performance characteristics.
Key Differences Between Natural and Engineered Quartz
The distinctions between natural and engineered quartz extend beyond their origins to their composition, appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Natural quartz is a mineral, while engineered quartz is a composite material blending natural quartz particles with synthetic resins and pigments.
In terms of appearance, natural quartz exhibits unique patterns, veining, and color variations inherent to its geological formation. Engineered quartz offers more uniform patterns and a wider, more consistent range of colors and designs. This allows for greater predictability in aesthetic outcomes for applications like countertops.
Regarding durability, their characteristics differ due to composition. Natural quartz is a very hard mineral, rating 7.0 on the Mohs scale, indicating significant scratch resistance. Engineered quartz is also highly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and stains, largely due to its non-porous surface created by binding resins. This non-porous nature means engineered quartz does not require sealing, unlike some porous natural stones.
However, the resin in engineered quartz makes it softer than natural quartzite and can yellow with prolonged exposure to UV light, making it generally more suitable for indoor use. While engineered quartz is heat-resistant, it is not heat-proof, and direct high heat can cause damage.
These differences also impact maintenance. Engineered quartz benefits from its non-porous surface, making it easy to clean with mild soap and water and eliminating the need for regular sealing. Natural stones, depending on their porosity, may require periodic sealing to prevent staining and maintain their appearance.