The real difference
Granite is quarried. It is a natural stone of interlocking crystals, mostly feldspar and quartz, cut into slabs and polished. Quartz countertops are engineered: crushed natural quartz, often around 90% of the slab by the makers’ figures, bound with resin and colored with pigment. Almost every practical difference between them comes from that resin.
Side by side
| Compared | Granite | Engineered quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Natural stone | Ground quartz, resin and pigment |
| Scratches | Very resistant (about 6 to 8 Mohs) | Very resistant (about 7 Mohs) |
| Hot pans | Tolerates heat; a sudden extreme change can crack any stone | Resin can scorch or yellow; use a trivet every time |
| Stains | Resists stains once sealed; some light colors are more porous | Highly stain resistant |
| Sealing | Usually; test it once a year | Never |
| Outdoors | Works outdoors | Most products are for indoor use only |
| Look | Every slab is unique; pattern varies across a slab | Consistent from slab to slab |
| Seams | Pattern can be hard to match across a seam | Easier to match |
Heat
Granite formed under great heat and is not bothered by a hot pan. The sealer on top can be, and any stone can crack from thermal shock, a sudden large change in temperature in one spot. Quartz manufacturers tell owners to use a trivet or hot pad, because the resin binder can scorch or discolor. See can you put hot pans on stone counters.
Stains and sealing
Granite is slightly porous. A penetrating sealer slows liquids so you have time to wipe them up. How often to reseal depends on the stone: some dense dark granites barely absorb water, while some light ones drink it in. A simple hot-water test tells you which you have; see sealing stone countertops.
Quartz is not porous, needs no sealer and resists coffee, wine and oil. Strong chemicals such as oven cleaner, paint stripper and bleach can damage the resin, so clean it with mild soap and water.
Looks
If you want movement, depth and a pattern no one else has, granite delivers it. If you want a clean, even look, or a white marble look without marble’s care, quartz is easier to get right. Granite pattern varies across a slab, so see the piece you will actually get. Our photos are of our actual stone, but colors vary from piece to piece.
Price
Both span a wide range. In our warehouse, the price of each stone is posted by color and width, so you can compare directly:
| Stone | Price per piece |
|---|---|
| Granite | $389.00 to $1,569.00 |
| Quartz | $599.00 to $1,689.00 |
| Dolomite | $629.00 to $1,599.00 |
These are prices for prefinished countertop pieces, before tax, before any cutting or installation. See how much countertops cost for the rest of the bill.
A quick way to decide
- Pick granite if you set pans down hot, want the counter outdoors, or want a one-of-a-kind pattern.
- Pick quartz if you never want to seal, want an even pattern across several pieces, and will use trivets.
- Pick either for a bathroom. A vanity sees almost no heat.
Common questions
Is quartz more expensive than granite?
Often, but not always; both span a wide range by color. Our price list shows today’s price for every piece by stone, color and width.
Which is easier to keep clean, granite or quartz?
Quartz, because it never needs sealing. Granite is close behind once it is sealed: wipe it with a pH-neutral cleaner made for stone.
Can quartz crack from heat?
Yes. A very hot pan can scorch the resin or, with a sudden temperature change, crack the slab. Use a trivet.
Does granite have to be sealed?
Most granite benefits from sealing, but some dense stones barely absorb water. Do the water test to find out.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute course: Natural stone fact vs myth (hardness, sealers)
- Natural Stone Institute: Is quartz natural stone? (engineered quartz makeup)
- Natural Stone Institute: Caring for granite (sealing, the hot-water test, daily cleaning)
- MSI: Can heat damage my quartz countertop?
- Cambria: Quartz countertop care (not heat-proof, no sealers)
- Granite Selection: Quartz vs granite pros and cons (installed cost ranges)