What Is Quartz Made Of
What Is Quartz Made Of?
Quartz worktops are engineered, not quarried. Here is exactly what goes into a quartz slab and why the proportions of the mix matter.
The short answer
Three main ingredients
Quartz is crushed quartz, resin and pigment.
Around 93% natural quartz mineral, bound with resin, coloured with pigment.
93%
Natural quartz
3
Main ingredients
A quartz worktop is made from three main things: crushed natural quartz, which makes up around 93% of the slab, resin which binds it together, and pigment which gives it colour and pattern. The mix is compacted and cured into a dense, non-porous slab. The high quartz content is part of what separates a quality slab from a low grade one. To see how the slab is built, read what a quartz worktop is, and to compare it with natural stone, whether quartz is a natural stone.
At a glance
93%quartz
The bulk
Crushed natural quartz mineral.
resinbinder
Holds it together
A small share binds the slab solid.
pigmentcolour
The look
Gives each slab its colour and pattern.
What goes into a quartz slab
Crushed natural quartz
The bulk of the slab, around 93%, is natural quartz mineral that has been crushed into grains and granules of different sizes. Quartz is one of the hardest common minerals, which is what gives the finished worktop its density and durable surface. Our FAQ on what type of rock quartz is covers the natural mineral side.
Resin to bind it
Resin makes up a small share of the mix and binds the quartz grains into a solid, non-porous slab. The proportion of resin matters: quality slabs keep it low, while lower grade material can rely on more resin and filler. The non-porous result is why quartz never needs sealing.
Pigments for colour and pattern
Pigments are added to create the colour and pattern, from plain tones to convincing marble-effect veining. Because the colour is engineered in rather than natural, quartz is consistent from slab to slab. Our FAQ on quartz worktops with veining explained covers how pattern is built in.
How it is put together
The crushed quartz, resin and pigment are blended, then compacted under pressure and heat into a dense, hard slab. This manufacturing process is what makes quartz an engineered stone rather than a natural one. Our FAQ on whether quartz is a natural stone explains the distinction.
Why the mix matters
The mix is what separates a quality slab from a poor one. A high quartz content and a recognised brand generally mean a denser, better surface, while lower grade material uses more resin and filler. This is why it is worth buying from an established supplier. Precious Marble supplies recognised quartz brands from its Bedford base. See the Quartz Worktops Bedford page to start.
Key points
Around 93% natural quartz
A hard mineral gives the slab its strength.
Bound with resin
A small share makes the slab solid and non-porous.
Coloured with pigment
Engineered colour means slabs are consistent.
The mix signals quality
High quartz content marks a better slab.
To learn more, read what a quartz worktop is, what type of rock quartz is and whether quartz is a natural stone. The full Quartz FAQs has more.
Quality quartz, from a Bedford specialist
Precious Marble supplies recognised quartz brands with a high natural quartz content. See full-size slabs at our Elstow showroom. 0% interest-free finance is available.
More from the Quartz FAQs
Common questions
What is quartz made of?
How much of a quartz worktop is actually quartz?
Why does a quartz worktop contain resin?
Does the make-up of quartz affect its quality?
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