What is the difference between quartz and granite?

Quartz and granite are two of the trendy materials used for applications like countertops in the industry of construction and design. While they share almost similar characteristics, such as durability and beauty, there are some clear differences between quartz and granite.

Composition: Granite is a natural stone formed from the cooling of molten magma. It comprises minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica, which give it a granular appearance. On the other hand, quartz countertops are made of an engineered stone from ground quartz, a mixture of resin and pigments. The strength and durability of quartz countertops are derived from the binding agents that are used in their production.


Appearance: Granite countertops are available in a wide array of natural colors, veining, and pattern forms, making every single slab unique. Ranging from a classic speckled look to the bold and exotic, granite offers a wide range of options. On the other hand, since quartz countertops are an engineered material, they provide a uniform look. Moreover, they are available in a wide range of colors and may even take the appearance of natural stones like marble.

Care: Granite countertops are highly porous, hence requiring sealing to prevent their soaking with even the slightest drop in liquid. If granite surfaces are not sealed properly from time to time, they are more likely to stain and damage by absorbing liquids. In contrast, quartz countertops are non-porous and subsequently stain and spill-resistant. As they do not absorb liquids, they require no sealing and, hence, offer low maintenance and cleanliness.

Durability: For durability, both quartz countertops as well as granite countertops have a good reputation, but while granite is heat resistant and can be subjected to high temperatures, it is mainly used in kitchens due to this reason. Luckily, if any large load falls on it then breakages such as chipping or cracking occur. In contrast with this piece of natural stone which takes care of itself when it comes to such things, this type does not have any scratches from slight abrasion when struck by a hard object at all because it’s an imitation stone. This is due to the fact that it is suppler and therefore does not easily chip or crack.

Price: The two differ when it comes to pricing. The price of granite countertops would vary on factors such as rarity, color, origin, and availability. The price of quartz countertops is uniform, depending on the manufacturer and the selected design, since it is an engineered stone. In this respect, granite may be more affordable in some cases, while quartz is generally more cost-effective since it is quite durable and requires little maintenance.