Are you in the market for a new quartz countertop? If so, you may be wondering how to tell if a quartz countertop is real. It can be hard to tell sometimes, especially if you’re not familiar with the different types of quartz materials.
In this article, I will discuss how to determine if your quartz countertop is authentic, and what to do if you have any doubts. I will also provide some tips on how to care for your quartz countertop so that it lasts for many years.
What Is Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops are made from a type of quartz called engineered quartz. Engineered quartz is a man-made material that is composed of 90-94% ground natural quartz and other minerals, binders, and pigments.
Quartz countertops are extremely durable and resistant to scratches, staining, and heat. They are also non-porous, which means they will not absorb spills or bacteria.
Quartz countertops are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their beauty and durability.
Another awesome quality about quartz countertops is that they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. So, if you’re looking for a unique countertop that will make your kitchen stand out, quartz is a great option.
Because of all the great benefits that quartz countertops offer, they come with a higher price tag than other countertop materials.
So, if you’re investing in a quartz countertop, you want to be sure that it’s the real deal.
Unfortunately, due to the high demand for quartz countertops, there are a lot of synthetic or faux quartz countertops that have flooded the market.
Later on in this article, I will help you spot the difference so that you can avoid being scammed.
Different Types Of Quartz Materials Used For Countertops
There are two main types of quartz materials that are used for countertops: natural quartz and faux quartz countertop.
Real Quartz Countertop
A natural or real quartz countertop is a type of countertop that has its raw materials mined from the earth.
These types of countertops are made of 90-94% natural quartz stones and binded with high-quality polymer materials and resins.
The quartz stones are then cut into slabs and polished to create a smooth, shiny surface.
Natural quartz countertops are extremely strong and durable, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Faux Quartz Countertop
Faux or synthetic quartz countertops are made of a combination of ground natural quartz (about 60% or significantly less), pigments, resins, and binders.
This combination is then cast into slabs and cured under extreme heat and pressure.
Faux quartz countertops are not as strong or durable as natural quartz countertops, but they are cheaper to produce.
Unfortunately, because faux quartz countertops are not made of pure natural quartz, they can yellow over time or be damaged by harsh chemicals.
Now that you know the difference between the two types of quartz countertops, let’s move on to how you can tell if your quartz countertop is real.
How To Tell If A Quartz Countertop Is Real
Being able to tell if your quartz countertop is real can be tricky, but there are a few things that you can look for. Here are some tips on how to tell if your quartz countertop is the real deal:
1. Quartz Countertops Has Consistency In Color
One way to tell if your quartz countertop is real is by checking the consistency in color.
If you see any inconsistencies or blotches in color, then it’s likely that your countertop is not made of pure natural quartz.
Faux quartz countertops are usually made of a mixture of pigments, resins, and binders, which can cause the color to be blotchy often known as resin pooling.
Natural quartz countertops, on the other hand, are made of pure ground quartz stones that bonded with resins.
This process creates a smooth, consistent surface with no blotches in color. So, if you see any inconsistencies in color,
2. Check The Labeling
Quartz countertops made by reputable companies will always have an ink-jet code on the back.
This code is used to track the batch of quartz stones that were used to make the countertop among other information such as where it was made and when it was made.
If your quartz countertop does not have an ink-jet code, then it’s likely that it’s not a real quartz countertop by a legit manufacturer following the standard processes invented by Breton in the 1960’s–which every quartz countertop manufacturer should be using.
When in doubt, you can always check the company’s website to see if they have a list of authorized dealers where you can purchase their quartz countertops.
If your quartz countertop dealer is not on the list, then it’s likely that they are selling fake quartz countertops.
3. Check How The Quartz Countertop Reacts With Acid
One way to tell if your quartz countertop is real or not is by checking how it reacts with acid.
Take a small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice and place it on a inconspicuous area of the quartz countertop. Let it sit for about a minute.
If the surface of the quartz countertop etches or becomes discolored, then it’s likely that your quartz countertop is not real.
Also, if a lot of tiny bubbles start to form, then that’s another sign that your quartz countertop is not real.
This is because faux or synthetic quartz countertops will usually contain calcium carbonate and it will react with the white vinegar to create carbon dioxide gas.
On the other hand, natural quartz countertops are made of pure ground quartz stones that do not react with acids.
So, if your quartz countertop is real, then the surface should remain unchanged after you’ve applied the acid test.
4. Test The Scratch Resistance Of The Quartz Countertop
On the Moh’s scale of hardness, natural quartz ranks a seven out of ten.
This means that quartz is a durable material and it is pretty scratch-resistant, but it’s not completely scratch-proof.
To test the scratch resistance of your quartz countertop, all you need is a knife. Gently run the blade of the knife across the surface of your quartz countertop.
If it is indeed a genuine quartz countertop, you will only see a faint trace of steel while the surface of the countertop will remain intact.
On the other hand, if your quartz countertop is not real, then you will see a scratch on the surface of the countertop characterized by whitish streaks.
This is because faux quartz countertops have lower scratch resistance since they are made of a mixture of pigments, resins, and binders.
So if you’re in a showroom, ask for a sample of the quartz countertop that you’re interested in and test it out before making a purchase.
5. Check The Heat Resistance Of The Quartz Countertop
Although I would say real quartz countertops are not 100% heat resistant, It would do a better job of withstanding heat as compared to a fake one.
Quartz countertops can generally withstand heats up to 150 degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
To test the heat resistance of your quartz countertop, all you need is a hot pot and a sample piece of quartz countertop material. Place the hot pot on the surface of your quartz countertop and let it sit for about 3-5 seconds.
If there’s no change in color and the surface remains intact, then congratulations! You have a real quartz countertop.
On the other hand, if the surface of your quartz countertop starts to change color or get damaged, then it’s likely that your quartz countertop is not real.
Faux or synthetic quartz countertops are usually made of large quantities of resins and binders so the least amount of heat will result in the surface changing color or becoming damaged.
6. Inspect The Quality Of The Edge
Another way to tell if your quartz countertop is real or not is by inspecting the quality of the edge.
If you’re looking at a slab of quartz in a showroom, take a close look at the edges. Natural quartz countertops will usually have sharp and clean edges while faux ones will have dull and rough edges.
This is because quartz countertops that are not real are usually made of a mixture of pigments, resins, and binders.
As a result, the edge will not be as precise or as clean as a genuine quartz countertop.
So if you’re inspecting a slab of quartz in a showroom and you notice that the edges are not as clean as they should be or concealed, then it’s likely that the quartz countertop is not real.
7. If The Price Is Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is
One last thing to keep in mind is that if the price of the quartz countertop is too good to be true, then it probably is.
This is because real quartz countertops are made of pure ground quartz stones which make them more expensive than faux or synthetic ones.
So if you come across a quartz countertop that’s being sold at a fraction of the price, then it’s likely that the quartz countertop is not real.
8. Faux Quartz Countertops Cracks And Fades With Age
Another way to tell if your quartz countertop is not real is by looking at it closely to see if there are any cracks or fading.
Faux quartz countertops are made of a mixture of resins and binders which makes them more prone to cracking and fading with age.
So if you notice any cracks or fading on your quartz countertop, then it’s likely that your quartz countertop is not real.
9. Does Not Last Long
Last but not least, another way to tell if your quartz countertop is not real is by its longevity.
Faux or synthetic quartz countertops are not as durable as real quartz countertops and they will start to show signs of wear and tear after a few years.
So if you see very short warrantees or if the quartz countertop is already starting to show signs of wear and tear, then it’s likely that your quartz countertop is not real.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn how to tell if a quartz countertop is real or not.
To sum things up, these are nine simple ways to tell if your quartz countertop is real or not. Some of the main ways to tell if your quartz countertop is real or not is by looking at the price, doing scratch, or heat test.
If you’re still unsure about whether your quartz countertop is real or not, then it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.
A professional will be able to tell if your quartz countertop is real or not and they will also be able to give you more information on how to care for your quartz countertop.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the main differences between real and faux quartz countertops?
A: The main difference between real and faux quartz countertops is that real quartz countertops are made of pure ground quartz stones while faux or synthetic ones are usually made of a mixture of resins and binders.
Q: Can you tell if a quartz countertop is real by looking at it?
A: Yes, there are a few ways to tell if a quartz countertop is real by looking at it. For instance, you can look out for any color or resin blotches, quality of the edge, or see if there are any cracks or fading.