EN
In deciding on the selection of a natural stone to be used as a countertop, flooring or wall cladding, most of the people who purchase it are confused on whether to choose the quartzite or the engineered stone products. WanShi Stone is confident in its informed decision making by focusing on material authenticity, performance and long term value. Below is a comparison of natural quartzite with engineered substitutes in major categories.
Composition and Authenticity
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock which is formed by the intense heat and pressure on sandstone. It is a blend of almost pure quartz crystals that are fused. WanShi Stone extracts quality quartzite in quarries thus each slab is uniquely veined, colored, and crystalline sparkling, and cannot be replicated with artificial means.
Engineered stone is a man made material, which usually consists of crushed natural quartz (approximately 90%) with polymer resins, pigments and binders. Although hard and tough, it does not have the organic color, translucence and geological history of actual quartzite. The designs are repetitious and repeatable, in comparison to the unique design of natural stone.
Durability and Heat Resistance
Quartzite is both hard and has a rating of 7 on Mohs scale (as granite). It is not prone to scratching, chipping and etching by acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar. Even better, quartzite is naturally heat resistant, that is, you can place a hot pan on a well sealed surface of quartzite without it fusing or turning color. Engineered stone is hard and scratch resistant with the resin binders being sensitive to heat. Excessive exposure to high temperatures, over 150°C (300°F) may result in scorching, cracking, or yellowing. The engineered stone surfaces should always have trivets or hot pads.
Aesthetics and Uniqueness
Quartzite has dramatic flowing designs--subtle whites and grays, to bold golds, blues and greens. Every slab of WanShi Stone is an art of nature and the slight variation of colors and crystalized highlights vary with the change of light. There are no two quartzite slabs that are similar.
Standardized colors and patterns are offered by engineered products which can be beneficial when there is need of repetition in a large commercial project. But this sameness is no match to the richness, depth and feel that designers and homeowners are attracted to natural quartzite.
Maintenance and Longevity
Quartzite is very dense and has low porosity however we recommend it to be sealed annually in order to avoid any possible staining. Cleansing with soft soap and water is enough on a daily basis. Quartzite countertops can be maintained to last a lifetime- even centuries before it becomes dull when properly maintained.
Engineered stone is impervious and does not need to be sealed. It is well stain resistant. However, the resins may wear out with time in the sunlight (outdoor use) or harsh chemical cleaners. It also has some engineered surfaces which can wear along the edges or seams.
Environmental and Investment Value
Quartzite is 100 percent natural, does not necessitate much chemical processing and can be reused or repolished. Our responsible quarrying and efficient fabrication at WanShi Stone minimizes waste. The quartzite is also linked with providing permanent resale value to the properties owing to its eternal beauty and permanency.
The production of engineered stone produces production emissions and the use of petroleum-based resins. Part of the brands are made of recycled material but the product is not biodegradable and cannot be easily repaired or reconstituted once broken.
Conclusion
WanShi Stone possesses high quality quartzite slabs which are selected in terms of consistency of colors, structural integrity and beauty. Our Quality Monitor system has five points and this ensures that there is accuracy in cutting, polishing as well as packing. We show you how to locate and install either slabs of large size to a kitchen island or a tile to a feature wall. Go and see the loveliness of true quartzite--and determine how it will compare in strength, permanence, and loveliness with artificial substances.