Quartz vs. Granite Countertops: 4 Key Differences - 2021

Quartz is a natural material found in the earth. After feldspar, it is the second most abundant material in the earth’s crust. This mineral forms when silicon crystallizes. Many [countertop](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-countertops)s are made from engineered quartz, an engineered stone that combines ninety percent crushed quartz with ten percent resin to tailor the shape and style and bind the materials together. Granite is a kind of igneous rock made up mostly of quartz but also mica and feldspar. It is coarse, granular, and mined in slabs from the earth’s crust. Because it is a natural stone, each slab of granite is unique and has an organic appearance, with natural pigments reflective of the proportion of materials composing it. Granite and quartz make for popular [kitchen island](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/diy-kitchen-island-guide) and countertop options, but there are key differences in appearance and durability: - __Composition__: In terms of makeup, granite features quartz and other materials, while quartz countertops are infused with resins to hold their shape and customize their appearance. - __Appearance__: Granite countertops have a more organic look, while quartz countertops appear more artificial. This can be advantageous: as a flexible material, quartz can mimic a marble countertop’s veining without having to pay the price for that expensive form of limestone. - __Texture__: Granite is mined directly from the earth in slabs and has a rougher texture and a more forgiving surface. Chipping is easier to repair; in quartz, the repairs are more noticeable. - __Heat and water resistance__: Quartz is also more water-resistant, but granite is more heat-resistant and can last longer if cared for properly. Granite and quartz countertops come with a unique set of pros and cons. The considerations below can help homeowners decide which is the best fit: - __Durability__: Granite often works best for kitchen countertops, while quartz is more suited to bathroom countertops. Quartz is less porous, so it works best in areas that will have more moisture. Kitchen countertops get a lot of use, and when you care for granite properly (i.e. by adding a new sealant each year), it can last a lifetime. Natural granite is also more heat-resistant than quartz, so you can lay hot pots on the surface. Hot pans and too much direct sunlight can discolor quartz countertops. - __Cost__: Quartz and granite are more expensive than laminate countertops. Generally, natural quartz can be twice the cost of granite per square foot. - __Cleanability__: Both materials are relatively simple to care for; granite and quartz require regular cleaning to mitigate staining and bacteria. Quartz is not porous, making it one of the most stain-resistant stone countertops. Should you spill anything other than water, clean it quickly to ensure there’s no residual discoloration. Granite is relatively low maintenance but does require resealing once a year; without a new sealer, the material will become porous. - __Appearance__: Both quartz and granite are solid surfaces, but the latter is organic and has a more natural appearance, which can up the value of your home. While granite can dazzle with its natural hues and swirls, quartz is much more customizable: The material can be dyed to various colors and even feature patterns. Despite the more significant number of color options, engineered quartz will have a more artificial look. Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Corey Damen Jenkins and Kelly Wearstler. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home. Quartz and granite make for sturdy countertops. Each has its own sets of advantages, giving homeowners options to choose from when designing kitchen and bathroom countertops.