Quartz (Engineered) and Quartzite Kitchen Countertops | Properties, How to Clean and Protect
What is Quartzite Stone? What is the Difference between Quartz and Quartzite? How Are Quartz and Quartzite Countertops Cleaned, Maintained, Sealed and Protected?
What’s the Difference between Natural Quartzite and Engineered Quartz?
- The terms “quartz” and “quartzite” are so often confusing to consumers with retailers often adding to the confusion by using the terms interchangeably, but they are definitely different materials with different properties, and durability and methods of care. The proper term for “quartz” should be “engineered quartz.”
- The biggest difference between “engineered quartz” and “quartzite” is that quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone.
- What is “quartzite”?
- Quartzite is an all natural stone.
- Quartzite was once sandstone and metamorphosed into the quartzite form through high pressure and temperature deep in the earth, then mined and cut into thin slabs of stone.
- Quartzite countertops are produced using natural, porous stone that is cut to exact dimensions.
- Engineered quartz countertops are more versatile and durable than quartzite.
- Some quartzites are porous and need to be sealed to help avoid stains.
- Hot baking dishes or pans can usually be placed on a quartzite countertop.
- What is “quartz”? or “engineered quartz”?
- Quartz used in countertops is an engineered (man-made) stone molded and baked into slabs in a factory.
- Only 90 to 94 percent of quartz is ground stone mined from the earth with 6 to 10 percent man-made polymer resins and pigments that bind the ground stone.
- An engineered quartz countertop is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials such as bits of glass.
- Quartz countertops are engineered stone that is molded into custom shapes.
- The resins used to bind engineered quartz melts at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore, a hot dish or pan could leave a permanent indentation or scorch mark on a quartz countertop.
- Engineered quartz offers greater resistance to cracking.
- Because engineered quartz countertops are softer than quartz and can be scratched, they should only be used with a cutting board to avoid scratching.
- Because quartz contains resins, it should not be scrubbed too hard and only plastic scrapers should be used to remove stubborn soils.
- Corian® is often offered as an alternative to engineered quartz. It is composed of 1/3 acrylic resin and 2/3 aluminum trihydrate (not quartzite). While Corian will last longer than laminate, it does not have the resilience and durability of quartz. Quartz resists scratches, mold, and mildew, while Corian does not.
How Are Quartz and Quartzite Countertops Cleaned?
- For heavy duty cleaning, use Klenz-All™ heavy duty alkaline cleaner and degreaser prior to sealing. Do not use after sealing because it is powerful enough to possibly remove some of the sealer.
- For normal cleaning, use All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner Concentrate.
- For daily cleaning and to keep the sealer refreshed on engineered quartz, use Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector.
- For oily stains on quartzite countertop, use Oil Stain Remover to remove those before sealing.
How Are Engineered Quartz and Quartzite Countertops Protected Against Stains by a Protector?
- Engineered quartz repels moisture and microbes without sealer because it contains resin binder, resulting in a non-porous surface that doesn’t require sealing.
- Natural quartzite stone is porous and needs sealing – particularly along the edges and cut surfaces. The sealant on most quartzite countertops should be replaced 1-2 times a year.
- Advanced-Generation Penetrating Sealer technology, incorporated into StoneTech Professional Revitalizer, BulletProof™ Water-Based Advanced-Generation Penetrating Sealer and Impregnator Pro™ Solvent-Based Advanced-Generation Penetrating Sealer, is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against both water and oil-base stains on quartzite stone countertops.
What are the DO’s and DON’Ts for Care of Engineered Quartz Countertops?
- DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
- DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
- DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch your stone’s surface.
- DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
- DO clean surfaces regularly with StoneTech™ Professional Revitalizer™ Cleaner & Protector or All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner.
- DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone.
- DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners.
- DON’T use chlorine bleach and avoid using cleaners that contain bleach.
- DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
- DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- DON’T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
- DON’T use highly alkaline (high pH) cleaners, such as oven cleaners.
- DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
- DON’T allow or use strong solvents including fingernail polish, acetone, paint remover on engineered quartz. Strong solvents will soften or even dissolve the binding resin.
- DON’T seal quartzite with coatings such as wax - only impregnating sealers.
Additional Stone, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout Information:
Related Stone, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile & Grout Care Products:
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Published by: Bane-Clene® Corp.
Copyright: Bane-Clene Corp.
Author: Donald W. Terry, Sr., Bane-Clene’s Chemist
Date Modified: August 26, 2020
Date Originally Published: April 23, 2017
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