In the naked eye, granite and quartz may seem completely identical. Both are minerals and have exquisite quality, but the two are extremely different.

Depending on the style of your property, you’ll have to choose between using granite or quartz. Therefore, are you comfortable in your knowledge of the characteristics of each stone?

If not, don’t worry. Below are some of the common differences between granite and quartz.

Both Stones are Mined Differently

With an initial glance, you may think that both granite and quartz are mined naturally. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Granite counters are mined and sourced from pure stone.

Specifically, the stone is made into tiles or sawed into thick slabs. Once the stone is polished and refined, it’s then shipped out to be used in buildings. 

On the other hand, quartz counters are made from crushed quartz pieces that are mixed with resin and a color pigment for binding purposes. Because of these solutions, a typical quartz countertop has generally 91% to 94% of original quartz.

To put it simply, granite is a hard stone. Quartz is also a stone, but it has a crystalline appearance. If you’re looking for an authentic product, granite is your best choice.

Though, if you want to go for more aesthetic appeal and don’t care much for authenticity, quartz is a great solution.

The Appearances are Different

To people without an eye for detail, seeing the visual difference between granite and quartz can be impossible. Still, make no mistake in believing there isn’t a difference.

Granite has several variations and hues, closely resembling a solid stone that was pieced together from millions of smaller stones. Quartz has a more consistent color and is available in many more hues since it’s crushed during manufacturing.

Both stones are attractive renovation options for homeowners, but beauty is firmly in the eye of the beholder. It’s up to you to decide which one you would prefer to add to your home.

Both Have Different Levels of Durability

While granite is breathtakingly beautiful, it does have one notable weakness. After installation, granite must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent cracking. 

Quartz doesn’t require this type of regular maintenance. You can seal granite with a resin-based product to increase its resistance to cracking, but it still won’t be as durable as quartz.

Still, both stones have a lifespan of at least 20-50 years with the right care. Overall, quartz holds a major advantage over granite in terms of durability.

Granite is More Eco-Friendly 

Natural granite products emit fewer carbon emissions than quartz countertops during production. Both stones don’t produce many amounts of volatile compounds, which can be toxic to the environment.

Still, granite has an edge over quartz by being the more eco-friendly stone. 

The Verdict

As you can see, granite and quartz are two distinct stones. Depending on the scope of your renovation project and personal taste, both stones can make an excellent addition to your home, especially now that you understand how each one differs.