Quartz has become the rock star of kitchen countertops. It’s durable, beautiful, and comes in so many styles it can make your head spin (the good kind of spin). But have you ever stopped to think, “What actually is quartz, and how does it end up in my kitchen?”

By the end of this read, not only will you know all about quartz, but you’ll also probably want to call up a top-notch provider (hint, hint) to bring some quartz magic into your home.

What Is Quartz and Where Does It Come From? (And Why It’s Perfect for Your Kitchen Countertops!)

What Is Quartz?

Quartz is basically Earth’s glitter. It’s one of the most abundant minerals on the planet and can be found pretty much everywhere—from sandy beaches to those stunning crystal formations you’ve seen on Instagram.

This mineral is made up of silicon and oxygen, two of the most common elements on Earth. What makes quartz super unique, though, is its incredible toughness. It ranks a solid 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (yeah, that’s fancy speak for “it’s tough as nails”), which is why it’s perfect for countertops.

Pro Tip: Not all quartz is created equal. Especially when it comes to interiors, the quartz for your countertops doesn’t just come straight from the ground. (But more on that in a minute.)

Is Quartz a Natural Stone?

Alright, here’s where it gets interesting. Quartz is a natural mineral, but quartz countertops? They’re a fancy, engineered product.

What does that mean? Well, quartz countertops are made by combining natural quartz crystals with other materials like resins, pigments, and sometimes recycled content. This is why you’ll often see them referred to as “engineered quartz.”

But don’t roll your eyes just yet. Engineered quartz still gives you the look and feel of natural stone—with even more perks. It’s like the Beyoncé of countertops. Natural, but enhanced.

Why Not Pure Natural Quartz?

Pure quartz in its natural form isn’t practical for countertops. It’s just not strong or stable enough on its own. The manufacturing process of engineered quartz solves this issue by blending quartz with tough resins and polymers, creating a surface that’s both gorgeous and ridiculously durable.

How Is Quartz Made?

Time to get nerdy (but not too nerdy—we promise). Here’s the lowdown on how quartz countertops go from sparkling mineral to the heart of your dream kitchen:

1. Raw Quartz Is Mined

Quartz is dug out of quarries all over the world. Some of the best quartz comes from countries like Brazil, India, and the U.S. (Shoutout to global teamwork!)

2. Quartz Crystals Are Crushed

Once the quartz is mined, it’s broken down into smaller pieces of varying sizes. This crushed quartz is what makes up most of your countertop.

3. It’s Mixed with Resins and Pigments

Here’s where the magic happens. The crushed quartz is combined with about 5-10% resins and pigments. The pigments give engineered quartz its stunning array of colors and patterns, and the resins bind everything together like the glue in a cool DIY project.

4. It Gets Molded and Baked

Once mixed, the quartz and resin go into molds to form slabs. Then they’re baked under high pressure and heat, which makes them as strong as your coffee on a Monday morning.

5. Polished to Perfection

Finally, the rough slabs are cut, smoothed, and polished into the shiny, flawless pieces you see on display. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a masterpiece ready to install.

Why Quartz Is an Excellent Choice for Kitchen Countertops

If quartz countertops were in a talent show, they’d win every category. Here’s why they’re the triple threat your kitchen deserves:

1. Durability That Can Handle Your Chaos

Quartz countertops are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and impervious to most daily wear and tear. Spilled wine? No biggie. You cutting veggies directly on the counter (but, like, please don’t)? Still fine.

2. Low Maintenance (Because Who Has Time?)

Hate sealing countertops? Great, because quartz doesn’t require it. Unlike natural stone, quartz is non-porous, which means it doesn’t soak up spills or bacteria. Just a quick wipe down with soap and water, and you’re golden.

3. A Look for Every Style

Whether you’re into a sleek modern vibe or timeless stone-inspired designs, quartz comes in styles, patterns, and colors for every aesthetic. Want marble vibes without the marble headache? Done. Need a bold black countertop with flecks of gold? You got it. Your design dreams are the limit.

4. Eco-Friendly Option

Many quartz manufacturers are taking sustainability seriously. Some countertops include post-consumer recycled materials, and many brands are committed to ethical practices. It’s a win-win for your kitchen and the planet.

5. Added Home Value

Investing in quartz countertops isn’t just a design statement; it’s a smart financial move. Potential buyers love seeing high-quality quartz surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms, which means better resale value for you.

Get Your Dream Countertops Installed by the Pros

Now that you’re an expert on quartz (and probably a little obsessed), it’s time to take the next step. At AnyTopShop, we’re all about bringing your countertop dreams to life. Whether you’re building your dream kitchen or just giving your space a glow-up, we’ve got the skills, materials, and taste you’re looking for.

We’re proud to be the premier kitchen countertop manufacturer and installer in the Kansas City metro area. From choosing the perfect quartz design to professional installation, our team will handle all the messy stuff so you can sit back and enjoy that shiny new kitchen.