Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral that has become a popular material in interior design thanks to its elegance and durability. It’s an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom fittings, and it often comes with a big price tag. But is it worth it?

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of quartz as a material for your interiors, plus a useful guide to caring for quartz at home.

What is Quartz?

Technically, quartz is a natural material, but quartz countertops and fittings are manufactured. Unlike marble or granite, quartz fittings are not cut directly from quarries. Instead, they are made from finely ground quartz that is bonded together with resin and polymers, sometimes with pigments or gold flecks added for decorative effect. Typically, quartz countertops and fittings are made with 90% natural stone and 10% resin and polymers.

Pro: Quartz is strong and durable

Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because it is an incredibly strong and durable material, making it almost impossible to scratch or chip. On the scale of mineral density from 1 to 10, quartz is a 7. This is a hugely favorable aspect when comparing quartz to marble, as marble rates between 3 and 5 on this scale and is much easier to scratch.

Pro: Quartz is versatile

Because quartz is a man-made material, it can be manufactured into many different designs and styles to suit your tastes. Swirling colors and patterns can be added to create something that suits your kitchen or bathroom, with many options readily available.

Pro: Quartz is low-maintenance

Quartz is also a non-porous material, meaning that it doesn’t absorb water easily. This means that, unlike marble and granite, it doesn't need to be periodically sealed to prevent water damage. Quartz is very hard to stain and easy to clean – a win-win for busy kitchens.

Con: Quartz isn’t heat resistant

One of the main drawbacks of quartz as a kitchen countertop material is that it is not fully heat resistant. Thanks to the resin and polymer content of quartz countertops, they can melt and discolor when they come into contact with very high temperatures. A quartz countertop won’t be affected by a hot cup of coffee, but a carelessly placed pan straight from the stove can leave a permanent stain.

Con: Quartz isn’t unique

Quartz is a beautiful material that can mimic real stone, but it won’t have the unique properties that a slab of marble or granite will have. Natural stones will each have a unique pattern that can’t be fully replicated, which is an aspect that quartz is missing.

Con: Quartz isn’t cheap

When considering a solid stone countertop, the choices you’ll face are generally quartz, marble, or granite. In terms of costs, quartz is the priciest option. Quartz countertops can cost between $50 and $200 per square foot, so it’s a big investment to make. Your final cost will be affected by the number of slabs, finishes, cutouts, and the type of edging that you want.

How to care for quartz countertops

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in a beautiful quartz countertop, it’s important to keep it looking its best. Luckily, quartz is relatively low-maintenance and an excellent choice for busy kitchens. Here are some tips to help keep your quartz in excellent condition:

• For daily cleaning, simply wipe clean with a soft sponge, gentle soap, and warm water.

• For bigger messes, use special degreasers with a neutral pH level.

• Avoid abrasive tools like scrub brushes or wire pads as these can dull the surface of your countertop.

• Always use heat-resistant mats to protect your countertop from hot cookware.