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How Quartz Countertops Are Made

Quartz is one of the strongest 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 starts out as crystals in the ground and goes through an interesting process to become a countertop – read on to learn more.

Quartz Basics

Quartz is the second most common mineral on earth and some varieties are considered semi-precious gemstones. It forms a crystalline structure that is usually hexagonal in shape, and this structure makes it one of the hardest minerals on earth. Quartz shapes with many different colors, but the most commonly used quartz for countertops is usually off-white or transparent.

In the quarry

Quartz is mined on all inhabited continents on earth. To get to the quartz, heavy machinery and explosives are used to break through any soil or stone that blocks access. Once the quartz is exposed, extraction is a simple process. Miners can pick up loose crystals with their hands and loosen fixed crystals with shovels and picks.

Grinding

Unlike other stone countertop materials, quartz does not come in large sheets, so artificial processing is necessary to turn it into a solid slab. Once the crystals are collected, they are ground so that they can create countertops. A fine grind allows for a more uniform appearance of the countertop, while a larger grind allows the countertop to have more shine and depth.

Mix with resin

The ground quartz is now mixed with a coloring 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 more than just pure quartz. However, color can make a big difference; You can have a quartz countertop in almost any color imaginable! Other materials can also be added at this point if the customer wishes, including varieties of semi-precious quartz, recycled glass, or small specks of precious metals.

Slab training

After mixing is complete, the quartz material is pressed into a mold and then cured in an oven. Trim can be customized to allow consumer to determine trim style and counter dimensions. After curing, the countertop is allowed to harden and cool. At this point you are finished with a glossy finish and only need the holes for the sink, stove, faucet, or accessories made prior to installation.

Installation

Once the proper holes have been made for accessories, your quartz countertop is ready to be installed in your home. Most quartz manufacturers only guarantee professional installed work, so it is recommended that a professional install your new quartz countertop. When the adhesive has dried and the accessories have been mounted on your countertop, you are ready for many happy years in your home.

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