The Difference Between Calacatta Marble and Quartz

21 Oct.,2024

 

The Difference Between Calacatta Marble and Quartz

When it comes to natural stone, there is simply no comparison. For centuries, marble has been prized for its natural beauty and elegance and has been used in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Today, engineered and man-made alternatives to natural stone are becoming more common, but each lack the same natural beauty of marble that can never be replicated.  

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Marble and quartz are two of the most popular materials for commercial or residential use. However, there are some major differences between the two. 

Calacatta vs. Quartz Composition 

Calacatta marble has become a reference in the market and is one of the most desirable types of marble in the world. Calacatta marble is a metamorphosed Limestone that is composed of 99.5% pure calcium carbonate and 0.5% is a mix of other minerals resulting in its unique veining and natural patterns. Specifically, Calacatta is prized for its bold white color and striking grey and gold veining. This marble has a fine grain and smooth texture allowing for a variety of finishes.  

Quartz is in fact one of the most abundant natural minerals on Earth, however quartz products are not solely made of the natural mineral. When creating countertops and other products, manufacturers combine natural quartz with resins in order to create a beautiful final product. Quartz countertops are generally 80% quartz and 10% resins.  

Durability

While Calacatta is known to be more durable than other types of marble, the general assumption and concern of marble is the porosity. Marble is naturally a more porous stone and requires regular maintenance. However, there is technology that allows us to increase the mechanical strength and decrease porosity of marble and also a variety of recommended sealants made specifically for the stone. With proper care, marble is guaranteed to last a lifetime and ages even more beautifully with time and wear.

The durability of quartz products is high due to the combination of natural quartz and resins. However, because quartz products have been engineered using resins, quartz is prone to heat damage as well as discoloration from the sun, which can cause damage or other aesthetic issues over time.

Aesthetic

Calacatta marble is known for its luxurious appeal, and it has been sought after by designers, architects and homeowners since the beginning of time. The deep white background and intricate veining is not found as prominent in any other stone or type of marble and is exactly what engineered stone is trying to mimic. 

Quartz products have a very distinct design to them. Unlike natural stone, the veining tends to lack authenticity because there are no unique qualities or characteristics.

The marble aesthetic is one that has been duplicated by more products than ever before. However, these imitations lack the natural impurities and subtle veining patterns of Calacatta. As long as you perform regular maintenance and care - there really isn't another alternative!

Quartz Kitchen & Bathoom Countertops in Columbus Ohio ...

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS IN COLUMBUS OHIO

 

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS IN COLUMBUS OHIO

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen. It is found in many locations throughout the earth, with two prominent mining locations in North Carolina, USA and Goiás, Brazil. Quartz is frequently used in the construction industry and is a popular material for countertops.

Quartz countertops are comprised of 93% quartz, along with color pigments and adhesives. As new designs are introduced, the popularity of quartz countertops continues to grow. Their durability, attractive appearance, and affordability make them a preferred choice for many people.

We will answer some of the most common questions about quartz countertops in the following.

ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS STAIN RESISTANT?

Quartz countertops are stain-resistant. This is the biggest sales point of quartz countertops over its natural alternatives such as granite, marble, soapstone or quartzite countertops.

 

ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS HEAT RESISTANT?

While quartz countertops are resistant to heat, it is important to note that they are not completely heatproof. As a result, it is not advisable to place hot pots or pans directly on them.

This particular characteristic represents the primary disadvantage of quartz countertops when compared to granite countertops.

ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS SCRATCH RESISTANT?

Yes, quartz countertops are scratch-resistant. Quartz is not a hard material as quartzite or granite countertops, but it is still very hard to scratch quartz countertop.

 

ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS ETCH RESISTANT?

Yes, quartz countertops are etch-resistant just like granite countertops.

IS QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS CHIP RESISTANT?

Quartz countertops are susceptible to chipping, just like granite countertops. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for slightly rounded edges instead of sharp edges when selecting quartz countertops. The same holds true for natural stone options, such as granite, quartzite, marble, or soapstone countertops.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR QUARTZ IF IT IS CHIPPED?

Although it is possible to repair chips in quartz countertops, the outcome is often not as satisfactory as it would be with natural stone countertops like granite or marble.

IS QUARTZ BETTER THAN GRANITE ?

The choice between quartz and granite countertops ultimately depends on your individual requirements and preferences, as both materials have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Quartz countertops are engineered by blending natural quartz with resin binders and color pigments. They are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and impervious to liquids, making them a preferred option for many homeowners. Moreover, quartz countertops offer a wide range of colors and patterns, providing significant customization options.

On the other hand, granite is a natural stone that is extracted from mines and cut into slabs for use in countertops. It is admired for its innate beauty, durability, and unique color and pattern combinations. Granite is also resistant to heat and can tolerate high temperatures, making it ideal for use in kitchen countertops.

To determine which option is best for you, it is recommended to compare both materials based on your intended use, and personal preferences. Seeking professional guidance can also help you make an informed decision.

WHAT IS THE PRICE POINT FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Quartz countertops typically have a more limited price range compared to natural countertops. The cost of quartz countertops usually ranges from $45 to $125 per square foot, depending on the chosen brand and design. If you&#;re in the Columbus Ohio area, you can send us a drawing of your project, and we will provide you with a quartz countertops price estimate.

In general, quartz countertops are usually priced similarly to granite and soapstone countertops, although there may be some exceptions. Marble and quartzite countertops, on the other hand, are typically more expensive than quartz countertops.

WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE GRANITE OR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS? 

Quartz countertops typically have a slightly higher starting price compared to granite countertops, although there are some types of granite that can be more expensive than quartz. To provide some context, the price range for quartz countertops is usually between $45 and $125 per square foot, while the price range for granite countertops is typically between $40 and $300 per square foot when installed.

WHAT DETERMINES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS PRICE?

The price of quartz is primarily determined by the cost of the materials used and the overall fabrication expenses. Some branded quartz may be more expensive due to the associated costs of marketing and advertising. Additionally, quartz with consistent colors and patterns is generally less expensive than those with larger, more intricate patterns.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Calacatta Botan Surfaces. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

IS QUARTZ COUNTERTOP GOOD FOR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS? 

Quartz is a very durable material. Granite and quartz are two of the most durable countertops options.

IS QUARTZ COUNTER GOOD FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS?

Quartz is not recommended for outdoor applications because it is not UV resistant. Quartz color will change when it is exposed to sunlight directly.

DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN SLABS IN QUARTZ?

While most quartz slab colors and patterns are repetitive, there may still be slight variations among different slabs. It is highly recommended that you personally view and approve the slab you will be using. Typically, each quartz batch produces thousands of slabs, so color variation within the same batch should be minimal. However, if you obtain a slab from a different batch several months later, there may be significant color changes.

WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Quartz countertops do not require any sealing, unlike its natural alternatives.

DOES QUARTZ HAVE A SIMILAR LOOK TO MARBLE?

Many quartz companies strive to imitate the soft and beautiful look of marble in their quartz products. They are continuously improving their efforts, resulting in increasingly realistic marble-like designs. Quartz countertops with a marble-like appearance are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and comparable beauty to natural marble.

DOES QUARTZ REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?

Quartz countertops do not necessarily require plywood on top of cabinets, but it is important to provide additional support for any big overhangs or unsupported areas. Compared to natural countertop options, quartz is a more flexible material, which allows for some leeway in supporting the countertops. To learn more about support options and solutions for quartz countertops, we invite you to read our comprehensive blog post on the topic. Blog: Granite and Quartz Support Requirements

WHAT ARE THE FINISH OPTIONS IN QUARTZ?

Most quartz comes in a polished finish. Some companies like Ceasarstone and Silestone also make honed and suede finishes for some of their color designs.

WHERE DOES QUARTZ COME FROM?

Quartz is manufactured in various countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Spain, India, and Vietnam. Due to new tariffs on quartz, China has reduced its quartz production. Columbus Granite collaborates with several global quartz suppliers, but our primary suppliers are located in Italy, such as Antolini Quartz.

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS CLEANING 

Use regular household cleaners to clean quartz countertops, such as Windex. Use barkeepers&#; friends for stubborn stains on quartz. 

ARE QUARTZ SEAMS VISIBLE?

Quartz seams are visible like they are on natural stones. Consistent quartz colors usually provide better seam matching than colors with big patterns.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE SAME QUARTZ FOR THE BACK SPLASHES?

Yes, it is possible to use the same quartz on the backsplashes. The thickness would be the same as the stone. It possible to have 4-5&#; tall backsplashes as well as backsplashes full height (all the way to the cabinets)

WILL QUARTZ HAVE SURFACE CRACKS LIKE GRANITE, MARBLE, SOAPSTONE AND OTHER NATURAL STONES?

Quartz will not have surface cracks or fissure lines like natural stones.

WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION WARRANTY ON QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Columbus Granite provides a one-year warranty on all quartz installations.

HOW BIG ARE THE QUARTZ SLABS?

The size of the slab depends on the brand and color. Most slabs come in 126&#; x 63&#; however shorter slabs 120&#; x 55&#; and a lot larger slabs 135&#; x 76&#; also exist in a few colors.

 

WHAT ARE THE COLOR OPTIONS FOR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Quartz comes in a variety of different colors, from pure white to pure black. White Color quartz with gray lines representing marble look is the most common quartz color.

WHAT ARE THE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS BRANDS

Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, Dupond, Antolini, Q Quartz, Hanstone are some of the  the major quartz brands in the USA. Quartz countertops by Cambria are made in the USA. Hanstone Quartz are made in Canada. Antolini quartz comes from Italy. 

WHAT IS BEST QUARTZ FOR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS? 

There are many brands available in the market. Above mentioned brands are the major players and manufacture good quality quartz countertops for kitchen, and bathroom tops. 

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS VS GRANITE

Quartz countertops compares to granite in terms of price, and durability. 

DOES QUARTZ COLOR AND PATTERN CONTINUE ON THE EDGE?

Quartz color and pattern continues on the edge of the stone, so it will give a natural stone look in the end.

ARE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS NON-POROUS? 

Indeed, quartz countertops possess a non-porous characteristic, signifying their incapability to absorb liquids or stains unlike several other countertop materials. This feature renders them more hygienic and simpler to clean, and furthermore, less prone to harbor bacteria, thereby making them an extensively preferred option for kitchen and bathroom applications.

 

COLUMBUS GRANITE IS NUMBER ONE QUARTZ SUPPLIER IN COLUMBUS OHIO 

Feel free to visit us to see different quartz countertops colors in person. Columbus Granite carries many quartz slabs in stock at the Columbus Ohio slab warehouse.  

WHAT IS THE NEW QUARTZ TREND IN ?

Thinner veining is popular for quartz in . In addition, as the gold color fixtures are getting popular, quartz colors that has some warm tones are getting more trendy in such as Calacatta Gold Quartz. 

For more information, please visit Calacatta Laza Quartz.