How Quartz Countertops Are Made

Quartz is one of the robust materials on the planet, making it ideal for your new countertop space. The durability, customization, and beauty of quartz make it a designer and homeowner's dream. Quartz begins as crystals in the ground and undergoes an interesting process to become a countertop: read on to learn more.

Quartz Basics

Quartz is the second most commonly found mineral on Earth, and some of its varieties are considered semi-precious gems. It designs a crystalline structure that is usually hexagonal in shape, and this structure makes it one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Quartz is made with many different colors, but the most commonly used quartz for countertops is usually white or clear.

In Quarry

Quartz is mined on every continent settled on Earth. To move to quartz, heavy machinery and explosives are used to break through any ground or stone blocking access. Once quartz is exposed, mining is an elementary process. Minors can pick up loose crystals with their hands and loosen crystals fixed with shovels and pickaxes.

Grinding

Unlike other Natural Stone Countertops materials, quartz does not come in large sheets, so man-made processing is necessary to make it into a concrete slab. Once the crystals are cut, they are above the ground to form countertops. A finer grind allows a uniform appearance for the counter, while a larger grind allows the countertop to give more shine and depth.

Mix With Resin

The ground quartz is now mixed with a colouring agent and a small amount of resin to create a hard countertop surface. The amount of color and resin is minimal: only about 3% of a quartz countertop is nothing but pure quartz. Still colors can distinguish; you can have a Quartz Countertops in almost any color imaginable! Other materials can also be added at this point if the customer wishes semi-precious quartz varieties, recycled glass or small fleets of precious metals.

Slab Formation

Once the mixing is complete, the quartz material is pressed into a mold and then cured in an oven. The molding can be customized to allow the consumer to determine an edge style and dimensions of the counter. After curing, time is allowed for the countertop to harden and cool. At this point, it already has a shiny finish and just about any sink, stove, faucet or fixture hole is needed before installation.

Installation

Once the appropriate fixture holes are in place, your Quartz Countertops is ready to be installed in your home. Most quartz manufacturers only guarantee work that is professionally installed, so it is recommended that you have a professional to install your new Quartz Countertops. When the adhesive has dried and fixtures have been placed on your counter, it is ready for many happy years in your home.