Frequent Asked Questions
What is Engineered Quartz Stone?
Quartz is the hardest mineral stone in nature after diamond, saphire and topaz. Quartz has 7 Mohs hardness degree on the Mohs scale, which is rather close to that of diamond (10 Mohs), and this enables Quartz stone to be scratch-free even against metal or similar utensils while proving life long high resistance to abrasion even in areas of intensive pedestrian traffic. Quartz stone does not easily crack or rupture during fabrication or transportation thanks to its high coefficient of resistance to bending and impacts.
How is Quartz stone manufactured?
Quartz stone is produced in slabs. The production process of Quartz stone slabs begins with pure natural quartz aggregates that are extracted from the highest quality quartz quarries and selected in various dimensions to combine with pigments and polyester resins and then pass through vibro-compression process where vibration, vacuum and pressure are applied to create a compact and durable surfacing material.
What are the benefits of Quartz stone?
Quartz stone is a nonporous, therefore easy to clean and hygienic material that is stain-free and highly abrasion, scratch and impact resistant. There is no need to for sealing or polishing, thus it is virtually maintenance-free. Production available in various textures with different types of effect materials on a broad colour range, Quartz stone has an exquisite look fortified with supreme durability, hence it offers ideal solutions for a variety of applications, such as, kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, flooring, interior and exterior cladding, staircase tiling, skirting and window-sills.
Can you compare Quartz stone with other natural stones, especially with granite and marble?
Unlike other natural stones, Quartz stone 's compact structure, which is free of hairline cracks allowing no liquid penetration, makes it stain-free and easily cleanable with daily cleaning agents, even only with a damp cloth and a little gel detergent. Natural stones of a microporous structure with hairline cracks are water absorbant, thus prone to stains and spotting, while also providing for a favourable environment for the bacteria growth. Quartz stone is accredited by a hygiene certificate to be a special surfacing material that does not allow for a favourable environment for bacteria growth owing to its compact structure. Quartz stone is not affected by the wearing effects of common kitchen stuff like vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and wine that make harm to other natural stones. Quartz stone maintains its brand new look and clean appearance as on the first day for many years without any need for polishing or sealing unlike marble or granite. Since natural stones are limited to natural reserves, suppliers cannot always procure the demanded quantity at the desired amount and colour alternatives. Yet, Quartz stone can be produced in a rich variety of styles and alternatives, meeting various expectations at a time.
Is Quartz stone an artificial product?
No. Quartz stone is not an artificial product; 93% of it is made of natural quartz. Quartz stone owes its strength to the merits offered by quartz which is an uncomparably strong mineral stone.
How can I maintain the natural beauty of Quartz stone?
The long-lasting luster and natural elegance of Quartz stone require only simple and routine care to maintain the good looks. A damp cloth and a little liquid detergent will do best for and ideal cleaning. Quartz stone’s compact structure is highly impervious to stains. Just wiping makes the surface attain its new look again as on the first day. Please refer to Care and Maintenance for more information.
How can I remove dried spills and stubborn stains?
Gently scrape away with a plastic spatula any spills of paint, nail enamel, chewing gum, mustard and grease that become hard to remove when dried. Then cleanse off the surface with water. Apply kitchen and bath triggers such as Cif Power Spray by Unilever and Mr. Muscle Spray by Johnson Wax on any remaining stain and scrub with a blue Scotch-Brite (3M) soft scour sponge, certainly rinsing well with water thereafter. Gel cleaners containing bleach such as Domestos Ultra Bleach by Unilever and Mr. Proper Active Gel by Procter&Gamble are also proved to be successful in removing stubborn stains. Never leave your countertop to dry out without thoroughly rinsing away any residual cleaning agent.
How strong is Quartz stone?
Quartz stone is tough but not totally industructable. It is, still, highly resistant against rupture, abrasion and scratch. Like any other surface, Quartz stone can be permanently damaged by exposure to very strong chemicals and solvents, thermal shock, excess load or impact that weaken its physical properties. Therefore, pay due attention in order to let Quartz stone maintain its brand-new look for long years and never forget to use cutting-board and trivet.
Can I do cutting and chopping directly on Quartz stone benchtop without using a chopping board?
Thanks to its quartz compositon with 7 Mohs hardness degree, Quartz stone has a high scratch and abrasion resistance. Therefore, you can easily make chopping or cutting on a Quartz stone countertop without using a chopping board and make use of the whole countertop as your working area when preparing food. However, in order to let Quartz stone maintain its first day look and gloss for long years never forget to use a chopping board or a trivet in any case.
Is Quartz stone heat resistant? Can I place a hot pot or a hot pan on it?
In comparison to other stones, Quartz stone is more tolerant to brief exposures of moderately hot temperatures. Yet, all kinds of stone can be harmed when exposed to sudden and rapid temperature change. We recommend that Quartz stone surface be protected against temperature change like other materials. Therefore, avoid placing any kitchen tools such as a hot pot or an oven tray direct from the heat source onto the countertop; definitely use a trivet. When exposed to high temperatures, surfaces can react in various ways (cracking, discoloration, porosity etc.) depending on the product properties. Not only the fabricated or cutout parts, but also the inside and outside corners are much more frail, should therefore never be exposed to heat or open flame. When a heat source is situated close to a Quartz stone backsplash take proper care for the reflected heat. Barbecue, deep-frying, jam and sauce cooking that need rather high heat may also cause a risk of cracking.
How does Quartz stone maintain its shine? Does it require polishing?
Quartz stone owes its inherent gloss to the natural sheen of quartz. It does not require additional polishing and maintains its shine and smooth structure for long years. The gloss of the surface is measured with a gloss-meter denoting the percentage of light reflected from the surface. Quartz stone is available in a choice of three main finishes; polished, matte and sandblasted. In order for polished Quartz stone surfaces to maintain the first day shine for long years, a neutral detergent soluble in water would suffice for a simple and periodic cleaning. Yet, remember to use all the detergents and cleaning agents in amounts as instructed by the producers and rinse thoroughly with water after treatment. Otherwise, any residual cleaning agents that would accumulate on the surface may chemically harm the surface in the long run causing a dirty and dingy appearance.
Can I use Quartz stone in my bathroom?
Yes, we do recommend that you apply Quartz stone also in your bathroom in addition to your kitchen. Kitchens and bathrooms are places where sanitation is strictly important. While those surfacing materials with a microporous structure and hairline cracks absorb water and cannot resist stain formation, they on the other hand allow for a favourable environment for bacteria growth. The micro-organisms invisible to the eye especially cultivate in wet places. Therefore, wet places especially require a meticulous and conscious approach in the selection of surfacing materials. Quartz stone provides hygiene with its compact structure resistant to stain formation and bacteria growth in kitchens, bathrooms and water-closets where sanitary conditions are of utmost importance.