Durability Comparison: Granite vs. Quartz

Shopping for new countertops? Durability is probably a top priority on your list. If you’ve narrowed your favorites down to granite and quartz—arguably the two most durable countertop materials—making the final choice can be a tough call.

So when it comes down to it, which is more durable: granite or quartz?

Quartz Takes the Cake

It’s a close call, but quartz definitely is the more durable option of the two. Granite is certainly durable as well, but like any natural stone it can still chip, scratch and stain. If you’re wondering why quartz is harder than granite, let’s take a deeper look into the composition of both materials.

How is Quartz Made?

Quartz does contain natural stone, but it’s actually a man-made material—an “engineered stone.” Quartz is made by combining natural quartz crystals with resin and pigment to create an extremely durable final product that’s about 93% quartz and 7% resin.

How is Granite Formed?

Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock, composed mainly of feldspar, quartz and mica. Granite is formed when magma beneath the Earth’s surface begins to cool, creating a unique crystal structure with several color variations throughout. Like other types of natural stone, granite is quarried from the earth in huge blocks, which are then cut into slabs, shaped and polished to become countertops.

Compared to some other types of stone, granite is particularly strong and durable. However, like every stone, it requires upkeep (regular sealing about once a year) and preventative maintenance to keep it from staining or scratching.

The Bottom Line

While quartz is more durable than granite, there are still other factors to consider when choosing a countertop material that makes the most sense for your kitchen. Quartz has a variety of other benefits, but you’ll want to keep in mind that some quartz countertops can discolor over time when exposed to lots of sunlight. On the other hand, granite is porous, which means it needs to be properly and regularly sealed in order to stay stain-free, so it may not be for you if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option.

In any case, be sure to visit an Arizona Tile showroom and see our granite and quartz options in person before making your final choice.