"Decoding the Brilliance: A Comprehensive Examination of Engineered Quartz Stone for Countertops and Flooring."
This post will cover a complete and detailed analysis of Engineered Quartz Stone. In this blog you will get to know: What exactly is engineered quartz stone ? What is the composition of engineered quartz stone ? Characteristic of engineered quartz stone and the best engineered quartz stone manufacturer :Relay Stone Quartz
Introduction: Overview of Engineered Quartz Stone
Engineered Quartz Stone as its name suggest is a man made product manufactured by humans or engineers using technology and mineral compositions. It is widely used on Kitchen Countertops, Bathroom Vanities, Bar Counters, Dining Table, Floor, Wall Cladding and Window Sills. Engineered Quartz Stone comes in various designs, color and patterns. Let's go for the complete and details study of Engineered Quartz Stone.
What is Engineered Quartz Stone?
Quartz is a naturally occurring material having chemical name Silicon Dioxide and chemical formula SiO2. This means quartz is the composition of Silicon and Oxygen. In its pure state, quartz occurs in a colorless or white form.
Engineered stone, also known as quartz or composite stone made by combining the natural occurring quartz and a polymer binder called resin. The maximum percentage of composition of engineered stone is the natural occurring quartz which is almost 85% to 90%.
The naturally occurring quartz is crushed into a powder form, and then color pigments are added according to the desired design. Resin is mixed to bond all the components and pressure are applied to remove porosity and internal cracks. Afterward, the mixture turns into raw slabs. These slabs are leveled and polished to obtain the final finished slabs called engineered quartz stone.
Table of Content:
Quartz: Listed among top 10 hardest substance on earth
As per Wikipedia, there are 10 minerals in Mohs' Scale as follows: talc, gypsum, calcite, fluorite, apatite, feldspar, quartz, topaz, corundum and diamond . Quartz ranks 7th as per the Mohs' Scale of mineral hardness out of 10. Diamond is the most hardest mineral ranking 10 on the Mohs' Scale.
Maximize Space and Style: Relay Stone Quartz Solutions for Modern Indian Kitchens
Relay stone: The Best Engineered Quartz Stone widely used in Indian Kitchen for countertops, is preferred for several reasons:
Best-quality raw materials
Relay Stone Engineered Quartz are manufactured from the high-grade quality raw material that are sourced from well experienced suppliers and are tested before processing.
2. The Perfect 18MM Thickness
Relay Stone Engineered Quartz is best known for its 18MM thickness. As per Indian Kitchens and Indian Kitchens manufacturer 18MM is considered the best thickness which is not available in any others brands.
3. Heat, Stain and Scratch Resistant
Relay Stone Engineered Quartz is manufactured from high quality raw materials, processed by advanced machinery and technology that makes Relay Stone as the heat resistant, stain resistant and scratch resistant quartz countertops.
4. Excellent Designs and Patterns
Relay Stone Engineered Quartz has unique designs , colors and patterns that impress the customer to buy the Relay Stone.
Technical Specifications of Engineered Quartz Stone
Table below will give the idea about technical specification of engineered quartz stone:
Test Performed | Results |
App. Density kg/dm3 | >2.1 |
Water Absorption % | <0.05 |
Dimensional Stability | Class A |
Flexural Strength (Mpa) | 50-60 |
Impact Resistant (Joule) | 5-14.5 |
Compressive Strength | 170-240 |
Frost Resistance | Complies with Standard |
Surface Hardness | 6.0-7.0 |
Abrasion Resistance | Min 25.0 |
Stain Resistant | Pass |
This is an estimated data and the average of 5 best quartz countertops brand in India.
Types of Engineered Quartz Stone: Composite Marble and Quartz Countertops
Engineered quartz stone has a wide range of applications. It can be used on kitchen countertops, flooring, staircase, window sill, wall cladding, and many more. Some applications of engineered quartz stone, such as kitchen countertops, require more strength and resistance to heat, stain and scratches due to frequent use of turmeric and hot pans. In contrast, applications like window sill, wall cladding and flooring require less attention but are crucial for the overall deign. Secondly, area of application determines the cost efficiency of the project. A house kitchen occupies a maximum average 100 sqft-150 sqft area while flooring and wall cladding area occupies the maximum area and budget of the house.
On the basis of area of application and making process, Engineered Quartz Stone is categorized as
1. Composite Marble (Engineered Marble Stone)
2. Quartz Countertops (Engineered Quartz Stone)
Composite Marble:-
Composite marble differs in manufacturing process, composition percentage and pricing.
Manufacturing Process:- In the manufacturing of composite marble, a mixture prepared by adding quartz powder, resign and other additive color pigments for designing in semi-liquid state,. This mixture is then allowed to rest and is provided with thermal heat in a large cubical container to get the shape of cubical blocks of average size 10 Foot x 4 Foot X 5 Foot. Once the block hardens and dries, it is processed for cutting by saw cutter into unpolished raw slabs. These slabs are then polished by high end machines to give a final polished and glossy surface slabs.
Composition of Engineered Marble:- Low Quartz Powder, Average Resign and Effective Color Pigments.
Application:- Due to low composition, composite marble is more affordable and can be successfully installed on floor, wall cladding, stairs, window sills etc.
Quartz Countertops:-
As similar to composite marble, engineered quartz stone is different in manufacturing, composition percentage, pricing and specifications.
Manufacturing Process:-
Engineered quartz stone slabs is made piece by piece. The mixture are set on big molds, compressed by high pressure machines and than transferred to oven to remove porosity. These uneven raw slabs are individually grinned and polished to get the final ultimate polished slab ready to be installed.
Composition of Engineered Quartz:- High Quartz Powder, Average Resign and
Effective Color Pigment and comes in 15MM, 18MM, 20MM and 30MM etc. thickness.
Application:- Due to high composition, Engineered Quartz Stone are relatively less affordable than composite marble. As kitchen countertops, requires less area, most buyer are settled for Kitchen Countertops and backsplash wall. Other applications are wall cladding, stairs, window sills, bar counter, dining table etc.
Brands and Manufacturers of Engineered Quartz Stone in India
Engineered Quartz Stone brands and companies exist in India are:-
Caesar stone Quartz Stone
Quantra Quartz Stone
Kalinga Quartz Stone
AGL Quartz Stone
For detail study, follow "Top 5 Kitchen Quartz Countertops Brands in India: Expert's Guide"
Composite Marble vs Quartz Countertops: What Customers Must Know Before Buying Engineered Quartz Stone
Composite Marble and Engineered Quartz Stone behaves differently due to the variation in the composition. Composite Marble is not successful on kitchen slab because of low quartz percentage and less resistant to scratch and stain while Engineered Quartz is considered as the King of Kitchen Countertops. On the other hand, Engineered Quartz is not much successful on floor as it is low re-polish able and not friendly with silica that comes with shoes of home user.
But on, wall cladding, dining table, window sills both are successful depending upon the affordability of the customer.
Difference between Engineered Quartz Stone and Natural Stone
Engineered quartz stone and natural stone differ in composition, appearance, and performance. Engineered quartz stone is a man made product, made by combining quartz powder, resign and other color pigments. It is non-porous, resistant to heat, stains and scratches, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Natural stone, on the hand, is quarried from the mountains. Natural stone is slightly porous and requires sealing to prevent stains. Natural stone comes with unique variations in color and pattern within the slab and more prone to scratching and chipping compared to Engineered Quartz Stone.
How does engineered quartz stone special from other countertops materials?
Countertops that comes in Indian markets are Engineered Quartz Stone, Granite, Marble, Sintered Stone, Indian Nano (Porcelain), G5 or G7.
Granites mainly comes in dark colors (black, grey, brown). But now a days, only light color (white, beige, textured, calcutta) are in huge demand and architects' first choice. These designs don't available in granite.
Natural marbles are soft and porous. They are unpolished product require more time and effort to install. They can be easily crack as they are soft and easy to get stains.
Sintered Stone, Indian Nano (Porcelain), G5 or G7 fall into the same category. These countertops are highly brittle and prone to cracking and scratching. These countertops are very hard to cut and sometimes crack during installation especially around areas where sinks and hobs are installed.
Engineered quartz stones are known for their durability and wide range of designs and textures like Marble Texture, Statuario and Calcutta, making them suitable for any project theme. They offer a cost-effective solution with minimum wastage, ideal for architects and designers seeking both style and practicality.
What purposes can engineered quartz stone serve?
Engineered Quartz stone plays a very important role in design. Engineered quartz stone is stronger and durable. Earlier, Architects and Interior Designer were limited to the natural stones like Italians, Marble and Granite. These natural stones though were good enough before the engineered stone. Engineered quartz allows for the manufacturing of any design imaginable. These quartz stones are made with using high-tech machines that upgraded the quartz stones without any inner cracks and porosity. Engineered Quartz Stone comes in regular shape and uniform, resulting in very little wastage. Engineered Quartz Stone has addressed issues of designs, aesthetic, durability, cost-effectiveness, making it a transparent choice for customer.
Conclusion: The Exploration of Engineered Quartz Stone
In conclusion, the deep analysis of Engineered Quartz Stone for countertops and floors reveals its exceptional qualities and advantages. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of design options make it a superior choice. As a versatile and reliable product, Engineered Quartz Stone continues to be a top choice for modern interior design projects, offering a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. Engineered Quartz Stone bridge the gap between design and imagination.
Faqs
Is all engineered stone quartz?
No, all engineered stone are not quartz. Sintered stone, porcelain and nano comes in engineered stone categories but they are not quartz stone.
Are quartz countertops engineered stone?
Yes, quartz countertops are engineered stone.
Is corian an engineered stone or quartz?
No, corian is not an engineered stone or quartz. It comes in the "Solid Surfaces" product category.
Is all quartz engineered?
Yes, it not wrong to say that all quartz are engineered.
Are Relay Stone, Kalinga Stone, AGL Quartz, Caesar stone, and Quantra engineered stone?
Yes, Relay Stone, Kalinga Stone, AGL Quartz, Caesar stone, and Quantra are all belongs to engineered stone.
What is the difference between engineered stone and quartz?
Engineered Stones are the stones which are made by humans or engineer using technology and machines. These stone can Sintered stone or porcelain and quartz is one of among the product.
What is better quartz or engineered stone?
Quartz are called engineered stones. Both are synonyms and can be considered the same. Yes, quartz or engineered stone is the best product for countertops.
Testimonials
Er. Radhika Bhatia(Connaught Place, Delhi)
We recently installed Relay Stone: The Best Quartz engineered quartz stone countertops in our kitchen. The deep analysis provided great insights, helping us choose the perfect design for our countertops.
Dr. Aarav Aggarwal(Sonipat)
After reading the new analysis on engineered composite marble, we decided to use it for flooring renovation of Relay Stone brand. The variety of colors and patterns available in Relay Stone allowed us to find the ideal match for our home.
Ankita Gupta(Chandigarh)
The detailed analysis of engineered quartz stone helped us understand its benefits and qualities. We opted for it in our bathroom and kitchen countertop, and it has exceeded our expectations. The elegant look and easy cleaning have made it a favorite feature in our home.
Rakesh Chhabra(Sainik Farm, Delhi)
We are initially hesitant about using engineered quartz stone for our countertops, but the in-depth analysis convinced us otherwise. The versatility and durability of the material have made our kitchen renovation a success. It's a beautiful and practical choice.
Finally this blog cleared my doubt on engineered quartz Stone.