Quartz Countertops Are Not Natural Quartz
Countertops made from engineered stone began to develop popularity beginning during the late 1990s, and they are generally categorized under the label “quartz,” even though they are by no means made of solid quartz slabs. More properly, this material should be termed “engineered stone,” although they are widely known simply as quartz countertops. So-called quartz countertops are actually made of a blend of pulverized natural stone (marble, granite, quartz) and sometimes industrial waste (ceramic tile, glass, mirrors, etc.). About 90 percent of the material consists of this blended mineral content, which may or may not contain a significant amount of actual mineral quartz. The other 10 percent of the material is various polymers and binders. The blended material is heated and shaped into large sheets, allowed to cool and harden, then cut into various shapes for use as a building material. While the material does not look exactly like the real thing, the presence of a large amount of mineral content gives quartz countertops a look very similar to real stone. Quartz countertops can be very good at mimicking granite, but the veining pattern of natural marble has been more difficult to duplicate. Gradually, though, engineered stone/quartz countertops have become increasingly good at mimicking the look of real marble. Quartz is also durable, has a wide selection of options, and is not overly porous, meaning it’s easier to keep clean. Here are four good products that can substitute for real white marble. Britannica comes in three different versions, including standard (shown here), warm, and gold hues. Cambria, located in Minnesota, makes its products entirely in the U.S. Cambria was one of the first companies to produce this form of engineered stone and is regarded as a premier producer. It offers more than 80 different styles and colors of engineered stone, including more than 30 resembling different forms of marble. Caesarstone is a newer company, originating in Israel in 1987, with a manufacturing plant in Georgia. It is known for its commitment to protecting the environment. Silestone, based in Coral Gables, Florida, is known for engineered stone products that include 90 percent genuine quartz material. The “white marble” options are available in both a warm cream and cool white color, and you can choose among several vein patterns and surface textures.
