The Hard Facts About Quartz Durability
Quartz is often touted for its durability, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and other surfaces that endure a lot of use. This durability largely stems from the way quartz is manufactured; it is an engineered stone made from about 90-93% natural quartz aggregates and 7-10% polymer resins and pigments. This composition makes quartz one of the hardest materials available for these applications.
Scratch Resistance of Quartz
Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which is a scale from 1 to 10 used to determine the scratch resistance of various minerals. For comparison, diamond, which is the hardest mineral, ranks at 10. The relatively high rating of quartz means that it is quite resistant to scratches. In everyday use, quartz will resist scratches from most kitchen utensils and objects that typically come into contact with countertops.
Testing Quartz's Scratch Resistance
While quartz is resistant to scratches, it is not entirely scratch-proof. Sharp objects like knives or metal tools can leave marks if enough force is applied. However, for regular daily activities in a typical household or commercial environment, quartz surfaces hold up remarkably well without showing wear.
Maintaining Your Quartz Surfaces
To keep quartz surfaces looking pristine, it's advisable to use cutting boards and avoid direct cutting on the countertops. Although quartz can handle minor abuses, cutting directly on the surface can dull the finish over time. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is sufficient to maintain its shine and prevent any potential scratching from debris or particles that might be on the surface.
Choosing the Right Quartz
When selecting quartz, it's important to consider not just color and pattern but also the quality of the material. Higher-quality quartz will have better consistency in the composition, which contributes to its strength and scratch resistance. Some finishes on quartz can also help mask any potential light scratches that do occur, with textured or matte finishes being more forgiving than polished finishes.
Where to Find High-Quality Quartz
For those looking to invest in high-quality quartz, exploring various brands and manufacturers is crucial. Detailed product descriptions and performance ratings can help buyers make informed decisions. If you are interested in how quartz stands up to daily wear, including its resistance to scratches, can quartz be scratched provides in-depth insights and comparisons.
Quartz's robustness against scratches makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in homes and commercial spaces alike. By selecting quality materials and taking basic precautions in daily use, owners can ensure their quartz surfaces remain unblemished and functional for many years.