Quartz

Quartz tops are man-made engineered stone formed by utilizing 90% ground quartz (depending on manufacturer) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.

Pros:

Extremely hard, durable and water resistant; available in different surface finishes; stain-and-crack resistant; consistent patterns from slab to slab; does not require sealing or resealing; wide range of colors; easy to clean.

Cons:

Can be expensive for complex designs; not heat tolerant (hot pots can leave marks); seams are inevitable for large counter-top designs as the size of slabs are usually smaller than granite.

COUNTERTOPS

Quartz counter-tops are arguably the most durable option for kitchens. They're also some of the most eye-catching. They come in a wide variety of colors, including fire-engine red and apple green, as well as earthy browns, blacks, and creams, with sparkles and veining for the look of granite or marble. But unlike natural-stone slabs, which are mined, these slabs are engineered in a factory.