You want your home to look contemporary and modern, as well as luxurious - but without breaking the bank?

And now you’re conflicted between granite and quartz countertops, wondering which one is the finest fit for the interior of your home.

Well, you’re not alone, so don’t worry. This article will walk you through the benefits, drawbacks, and real-world challenges so you can make a conscious choice that meets your preferences and your budget. 

Granite

Granite rock, also classified as a form of igneous rock, is used extensively in our lives. It has a grainy surface that is large enough to be seen by the naked eye. 

It is formed when the magma of the volcano slowly oxidizes and solidifies under the ground. 

This rock is made up of quartz and is found mostly in the earth’s continental crust. 

Granite is mostly used in bathroom and kitchen surfaces, constructing buildings, making roads, etc. 

Material

• Granite gets its durability and hardness from quartz.
• Color is influenced by feldspar (whites, pinks, blues).
• Mica adds luster and reflecting materials (black or silver flakes).
• Other minerals offer distinctive veining patterns and colors.

Quartz

Quartz is a translucent and colorless mineral made of almost pure silica. They are widely used in the making of clocks, jewelry, and glass. 

Usually pure quartz is colorless, but impurities can result in a wide range of colors, like purple (amethyst), pink (rose quartz), and brown (smoky quartz). 

Quartz countertops are also known as artificial surfaces and are manufactured by mixing crushed natural quartz crystals (often 90–95%) with colors, polymer resins, and occasionally trace amounts of recycled materials.

Material

• Natural quartz crystals offer durability and a crystalline look.

• The slab becomes non-porous by polymer resins, which bind the quartz particles.

• A vast array of patterns and colors can be produced with pigments.

• Additives could include mirror bits, glass, or metallic specks for aesthetic purposes.

Durability Comparison

1. Heat resistant 

Granite: Be it heavy rain or scorching sunlight, granite won’t fade or change its color.

Granite can endure high temperatures without burning, making it suitable for hot places.

Quartz: Quartz is less heat resistant and can discolor or cause cracking at ~150°C (300°F). They can’t endure much heat. 

2. Durable

Granite: Granites have great strength and longevity but are less durable than quartz. 

Quartz: Quartz is more durable than granite. 

3. Scratch Resistant 

Granite: Granite is also highly scratch-resistant, but not entirely scratch-proof.

Quartz: Quartz is more resistant to deep scratches, which means it won’t crack or chip easily. 

4. Maintenance

Granite: Being porous, granite needs periodic sealing and maintenance to prevent staining. 

Quartz: Quartz requires less maintenance because of its non-porous nature, and it doesn’t need sealing either. 

Cost Comparison

Granite:

• There are hundreds of different types of granite, and their cost also varies. Granite countertops typically range from $50 to $110 per square foot, depending on quality, slab type, customization, etc. 

• Granite is less expensive than quartz because of its extraction process and natural properties. 

Quartz:

• Quartz countertops range from $70 to $120 per square foot depending on their brand, quality, size, etc. 

• Quartz is comparatively more expensive than granite because it’s not natural stone but engineered material. 

 Final Conclusion 

Both the materials are beautiful and unique in their own way. Now it depends on you and your taste to choose which rock. For a better clarification: 

• Choose granite if you want a natural, one-of-a-kind look, love high heat resistance, and don’t mind some maintenance like sealing.
  

• Choose quartz if you prefer a low-maintenance, stain-resistant surface with consistent design options and slightly better durability overall.
  

• Best for busy households or modern kitchens: Quartz

• Best for natural beauty and heat-heavy cooking: Granite

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