What Is Quartz?
Everything you need to know about engineered quartz countertops — what they are, how they're made, and why they're the #1 countertop choice
Quartz Countertops Explained
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from approximately 90–94% ground natural quartz crystals — one of the hardest minerals on Earth — combined with 6–10% polymer resins and pigments. This combination creates a surface that's harder than granite, completely non-porous, and available in virtually any color and pattern imaginable.
Unlike natural stone countertops (granite, marble, quartzite), quartz is manufactured in a controlled factory environment. This gives it consistent coloring, predictable patterns, and eliminates the natural weaknesses found in quarried stone — like fissures, pitting, and porosity.
Quartz has become the most popular countertop material in North America, surpassing granite in recent years. Its combination of beauty, durability, and zero maintenance makes it the top choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, backsplashes, and commercial surfaces.
How Are Quartz Countertops Made?
Raw Materials
Natural quartz crystals are mined and ground into fine particles. Polymer resins and pigments are carefully measured and mixed.
Compaction
The quartz mixture is poured into slab molds and compacted under extreme vibration and vacuum pressure, removing all air pockets.
Curing
Slabs are heated at high temperatures to cure the resins, creating an incredibly dense, non-porous surface.
Finishing
Finished slabs are calibrated to exact thickness and given their final surface — polished, honed, or leathered.
This manufacturing process is what makes quartz non-porous and stain-proof — there are no natural gaps or fissures for liquids to penetrate. Learn more about the technical details in our manufacturing process guide.
Quartz vs Quartzite: They're Not the Same
One of the most common points of confusion. Despite similar names, quartz and quartzite are completely different materials.
Quartz (Engineered)
- Manufactured from ground quartz + resins
- Non-porous — never needs sealing
- Consistent colors and patterns
- 70+ color options available
- More affordable, predictable pricing
- Stain-proof, bacteria-resistant
- 10-year manufacturer warranty
Quartzite (Natural)
- Naturally quarried metamorphic rock
- Porous — requires annual sealing
- Each slab is unique, one-of-a-kind
- Limited color range (mostly whites/grays)
- Typically more expensive per sq ft
- Can stain if sealant wears off
- Warranty depends on fabricator
Why Quartz Is the #1 Countertop Material
Zero Maintenance
Quartz countertops never need sealing, polishing, or special cleaners. Just wipe with soap and water. Unlike granite (annual sealing) or marble (regular polishing), quartz stays beautiful with zero effort. Read our care guide.
Non-Porous Surface
Wine, coffee, cooking oil, lemon juice — nothing penetrates quartz. The non-porous surface also means bacteria and mold have nowhere to hide. EuroStone quartz is NSF certified as food-safe.
Beautiful Designs
Modern quartz replicates the look of Calacatta marble, Carrara marble, and exotic natural stones with stunning accuracy. EuroStone offers 70+ colors from pure white to bold veined designs.
Incredible Durability
Quartz rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale — harder than granite. It resists scratches, chips, and cracks from everyday kitchen use. Heat resistant up to ~300°F. Backed by a 10-year warranty.
Consistent Patterns
Unlike natural stone where every slab looks different, quartz offers consistent coloring and veining. This means fewer surprises during installation and easier matching for large kitchens or multiple bathrooms.
Eco-Friendly Options
EuroStone's Cosmolite collection features zero-silica and low-silica quartz that is safer for fabricators and LEED-contributing for sustainable building projects.
Popular Quartz Countertop Styles
The most popular quartz countertop styles replicate the look of luxury natural stones — without the maintenance.
Calacatta Quartz
Bold, dramatic veining on a bright white background. Calacatta quartz like Taj Mahal and Statuario Nuovo Gold replicates the look of Italian Calacatta marble — the gold standard in luxury countertops.
Carrara Quartz
Subtle gray veining on a soft white base. Carrara White is one of the most requested quartz colors for kitchens and bathrooms — timeless, elegant, and incredibly versatile.
White Quartz
Clean, bright white quartz like Pearl White brightens any kitchen. White quartz countertops are the most popular category overall, perfect for modern, transitional, and farmhouse styles.
Concrete & Solid Quartz
Minimalist solid colors and concrete-look quartz for contemporary and industrial spaces. These understated designs let your cabinets and backsplash take center stage. Browse all styles in our quartz collection.
Quartz Countertop FAQs
What is quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from ~90–94% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The result is a surface that's harder than granite, completely non-porous, stain-proof, and available in over 70 colors and patterns. Quartz is the #1 countertop material in North America.
Is quartz a natural stone?
Quartz countertops are engineered, not natural stone. They contain natural quartz crystals (one of the hardest minerals on earth) but are manufactured in a factory. This gives them properties that natural stone can't match — non-porosity, consistent patterns, and a wider color range.
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Quartz is engineered (manufactured), non-porous, and never needs sealing. Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the earth, porous, and requires regular sealing like granite. Despite similar names, they are completely different materials with different maintenance requirements and price points.
How are quartz countertops made?
Ground quartz crystals are mixed with polymer resins and pigments, compacted under extreme vacuum pressure (vibro-compaction), then cured at high temperatures. The resulting slabs are calibrated and finished with polished, honed, or leathered surfaces. Learn more in our manufacturing process guide.
Why is quartz the most popular countertop material?
Quartz combines beauty, durability, and convenience better than any other material. Zero maintenance, stain-proof surface, NSF food-safe certification, 10-year warranties, and 70+ colors give it an unmatched combination of benefits. Read our full advantages guide.
Are quartz countertops safe?
Yes. Quartz countertops are NSF/ANSI 51 certified as food-safe, GREENGUARD certified for low emissions, and non-porous so they don't harbor bacteria. EuroStone also offers zero-silica quartz (Cosmolite) that's OSHA-safe for fabricators.
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