Quartz is one of the most commonly found and sought after minerals on the planet. With a Moh's hardness rating of 7, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers realised the potential of quartz in people's homes across the globe. These days we recognise quartz as one of the most popular materials used to create worktops for kitchens and bathrooms, but surprisingly this is a very recent discovery. Quartz has a long and illustrious history which will be briefly exploring in this article.
The Origins of Quartz
Although quartz has been incredibly popular in both kitchens and bathrooms over the past 50 years, the history of this mineral spans back much further. The history of quartz can be dated back to ancient civilisations, where it was held in high esteem for its aesthetic beauty and perceived mystical qualities. The ancient Egyptians believed that quartz could slow down the ageing process, and in Ancient Rome, Rose Quartz was used to signify ownership. Quartz has been used in many different ways across the centuries, with its hardwearing nature and natural beauty helping to sustain its popularity.
However, it wasn't until the 1960s that engineered quartz as we know it today was created and began making its way into people's homes worldwide. An Italian inventor named Marcello Toncelli was the first person to combine natural quartz with polymer resin to create a stunning worktop slab. Toncelli initially realised that it would not be suitable to be used in the home despite the durability of raw quartz. Still, by reinforcing it with stronger polymer resins, the perfect work surface could be manufactured. This process was patented as Bretonstone, which has become the most famous and widely used engineered stone globally.
From here, manufacturers could amplify the natural beauty of quartz that appealed to so many and create new and exciting products. These days, quartz can be engineered using various pigments, materials, textures and more to allow consumers to customise their worktop to suit their project.
How long do Quartz Countertops last?
Quartz has retained its popularity over the years due to its high durability, scratch resistance and, above all, longevity. If you ask any quartz specialist how long your quartz countertop will last, the answer quite simply will be a lifetime.
Aside from a natural disaster, accidents, or you taking a very heavy sledgehammer to your countertop, you will find that most manufacturers will provide a lifetime guarantee on their work. With quartz being non-porous, stain-resistant and hardwearing, it is very unlikely you should ever encounter an issue with your countertop unless you are using harmful cleaning materials, which could lead to discolouration.
Engineered quartz worktops use synthetic resin and polymers on the surface, which help to make your worktop resistant to unwanted bacteria growth. This makes quartz an ideal worktop material for the busy modern-day household, ensuring you won't have to worry about any harmful bacteria, mould, or mildew growth. Quartz requires a simple wipe down with a soft cloth and mild antibacterial cleaner to be kept looking its best over the years. Quartz countertops are arguably one of the best investments you could make for your home, whether used in your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors. Whether you are looking to increase your property value or plan to live in your home for a long time, quartz countertops are a worthwhile material to consider.
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We are proud to be one of the UK's leading granite and quartz worktop companies, supplying and installing only the highest-grade materials at fantastic prices. With over 25 years of experience installing worktops, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of experts.
If you are interested in our granite and quartz worktops or have any other questions, please contact us today on 0161 287 0715 or email us at info@graniteandquartzinstallations.co.uk. One of our team will be more than happy to answer any of your questions!