What Is Quartz and Where Does It Come From?
Quartz is a crystalline mineral made of silicon dioxide. It forms in many geological environments — in granite, in veins within rock, and in sand and sandstone. It is found worldwide, including in Pakistan's mountain regions. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, it is one of the hardest common minerals.
How Are Quartz Countertops Created?
Quartz countertops are engineered:
- High-purity quartz is crushed into granules and powder.
- About 90–93% quartz is mixed with resin and pigments.
- The mixture is moulded and compressed under vacuum and vibration.
- Slabs are cured with heat.
- They are calibrated and polished.
How Are Quartz Countertops Different from Natural Stone?
| Factor | Quartz | Natural Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Engineered | Quarried |
| Pattern | Controlled, consistent | Unique |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Varies |
| Sealing | Never | Often needed |
| Heat | Moderate | Granite excellent |
| Outdoor | No | Granite yes |
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
- Non-porous and stain-resistant
- No sealing
- Scratch-resistant
- Consistent colours
- Wide design range
- Hygienic
Drawbacks
- Heat-sensitive resin
- Not suitable for outdoor sun
- Repairs harder to hide
How Do You Care for Quartz?
Clean with warm soapy water, dry with a microfibre cloth, use trivets for hot pots, cut on boards and avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
Quartz ranges from mid to premium depending on design, brand and fabrication. FB Marble offers more than 80 designs and provides current rates on request.
Get a Free Quote from FB Marble
Send a simple sketch with measurements on WhatsApp (+92 323 4148908) and we will reply with the best rate, usually within hours. You are welcome to visit our Lahore showroom on Bedian Road to see the stone in person. More guides and products are available at fbmarble.com.
