Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Harder Than Granite They are very close. Quartz has a slight edge in consistent hardness. Here is the detailed comparison. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Harder Than Granite PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and […]
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Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Good For Commercial Kitchens Yes for the right areas. Quartz excels at prep stations and front-of-house counters. Here is where it works best and where stainless steel is still king. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Good For Commercial Kitchens PM Precious Marble Team Quartz […]
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Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Harder Than Granite They are very close. Quartz has a slight edge in consistent hardness. Here is the detailed comparison. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Harder Than Granite PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication and […]
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Quartz FAQs Is Quartz Good For Commercial Kitchens Yes for the right areas. Quartz excels at prep stations and front-of-house counters. Here is where it works best and where stainless steel is still king. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » Is Quartz Good For Commercial Kitchens PM Precious Marble Team Quartz […]
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They are very similar. The quartz mineral scores 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Granite is a composite stone with minerals ranging from 6 to 7. Engineered quartz has a slight advantage in consistent hardness because the quartz particles are evenly distributed. Granite can have softer mineral pockets (feldspar, mica) that create localised weak points. In practical kitchen use both are equally scratch-resistant and the hardness difference is negligible.
Mohs Hardness Comparison
The Mohs hardness scale rates minerals from 1 (talc, extremely soft) to 10 (diamond, hardest natural substance). A material can only be scratched by something of equal or greater hardness. This makes the Mohs scale the standard way to compare scratch resistance between worktop materials.
Quartz (the mineral) scores exactly 7 on the Mohs scale. Engineered quartz worktops are made from 90–94% of this mineral so the surface hardness is effectively 7 across the entire surface. The polymer resin component (6–10%) is softer than the quartz crystals but it fills the gaps between particles rather than forming a separate surface layer. The quartz crystals are what you interact with on the polished face.
Granite is not a single mineral. It is an igneous rock composed of several minerals in varying proportions. The main components are quartz (scoring 7), feldspar (scoring 6–6.5) and mica (scoring 2.5–3). Some granites also contain hornblende (5–6) and other minor minerals. The overall hardness of a granite slab depends on the specific proportions of these minerals which varies by quarry and even by block.
This means a granite slab might have areas where the surface is Mohs 7 (quartz-rich zones) directly adjacent to areas where it is Mohs 6 (feldspar-rich zones) or even Mohs 3 (mica-rich zones). Engineered quartz does not have this variation because the particles are distributed uniformly during manufacturing.
Why Hardness Consistency Matters
In theory the softer mineral inclusions in granite could make those specific spots more vulnerable to scratching. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5–6.5) cannot scratch the quartz crystals within granite but it could potentially leave a mark on a feldspar-rich or mica-rich area.
In practice this theoretical vulnerability rarely causes problems in real kitchens. The mineral variations in granite are typically at a microscopic scale and the harder quartz crystals surround and protect the softer minerals. You would need to deliberately target a mica inclusion with sustained pressure to create a visible scratch which is not something that happens during normal kitchen use.
However the consistency advantage of engineered quartz is real. If absolute uniformity of hardness matters to you (for example in a commercial kitchen or a very high-use domestic kitchen) quartz offers a guarantee that granite by its natural composition cannot.
Full Quartz vs Granite Comparison Table
Property
Quartz (Engineered)
Granite (Natural)
Winner
Mohs Hardness
7 (uniform)
6–7 (variable)
Quartz (marginally)
Scratch Resistance
Excellent (consistent)
Excellent (mostly)
Quartz (marginally)
Impact Resistance
Good
Very good
Granite (slightly)
Heat Resistance
~150°C (resin limit)
~300°C+ (no resin)
Granite (clearly)
Stain Resistance
Excellent (non-porous)
Good (when sealed)
Quartz (clearly)
Sealing Required
Never
Every 1–2 years
Quartz (clearly)
Colour Consistency
Controlled (batch consistent)
Unique (every slab different)
Depends on preference
Lifespan
25–30+ years
25–30+ years
Draw
Price Range (installed /m²)
£300–£700
£280–£700
Draw (similar range)
Hardness vs Toughness: The Important Difference
There is a crucial distinction that many people overlook when comparing stone worktops. Hardness measures resistance to scratching. Toughness measures resistance to fracturing under impact. A material can be very hard but not very tough and vice versa.
Glass is a good example. It scores around 5.5 on the Mohs scale (harder than steel) yet shatters easily when dropped. It is hard but not tough. Diamond is the hardest natural material (Mohs 10) but it can be cleaved along crystal planes with a well-placed blow. Hardness and toughness are independent properties.
In worktop terms granite is generally slightly tougher than quartz. The interlocking crystal structure of natural granite gives it excellent impact resistance. Engineered quartz with its resin binders can be marginally more prone to chipping under sharp impacts particularly at exposed edges. The difference is small and both materials are far tougher than marble, laminate or glass. But it is worth noting that quartz's advantage in hardness does not automatically translate to an advantage in all types of durability.
The Practical Summary
Quartz is marginally harder (more scratch-resistant). Granite is marginally tougher (more chip-resistant). Both are exceptionally durable and the differences are small enough that neither will influence your daily kitchen experience. Choose between them based on maintenance, appearance and heat tolerance rather than hardness alone.
What This Means in Your Kitchen
For Bedford homeowners choosing between quartz and granite the hardness comparison is interesting but not decisive. Here is what the hardness numbers actually mean in everyday kitchen life.
Neither will scratch from normal kitchen use. Kitchen knives (Mohs 5–6.5), pots and pans, ceramic plates and glasses are all softer than both quartz and granite. You will not scratch either surface with everyday items.
Both will resist cutting damage. Even if you cut directly on either surface (which we do not recommend because it dulls your knives) neither quartz nor granite will show visible knife marks under normal conditions.
Both need the same precautions. Use chopping boards to protect your knives. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface. Be careful with ceramic or diamond items. These habits apply equally to quartz and granite.
The real differences are elsewhere. Where quartz and granite genuinely diverge is in maintenance (quartz never needs sealing), heat tolerance (granite handles hot pans better), porosity (quartz is non-porous) and appearance (granite has natural uniqueness). These are the factors that should guide your decision rather than a marginal difference in Mohs hardness.
Better Reasons to Choose Between Them
If you are deciding between quartz and granite for your Bedford kitchen here are the factors that genuinely matter.
Choose quartz if you want zero maintenance (no sealing ever), a wide range of consistent colours and patterns, the best possible stain resistance or a marble-effect look without marble's maintenance demands.
Choose granite if you want a completely natural product with unique character, better heat tolerance for placing hot pans without trivets, the prestige of natural stone or you prefer the one-of-a-kind appearance that only nature can create.
At Precious Marble we work with both materials and can show you samples of each in our Bedford showroom. We always recommend making the decision based on which material suits your lifestyle rather than which scores higher on a hardness scale. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore your options.
Compare Quartz and Granite in Person
Visit our Bedford showroom to see and feel both materials side by side. Free expert advice on the best choice for your kitchen.
Whether you lean toward quartz or granite our team can guide you to the right choice for your lifestyle and budget. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to start exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quartz harder than granite on the Mohs scale?
The quartz mineral scores 7 on the Mohs scale. Granite contains minerals ranging from 6 to 7. Engineered quartz has a more consistently hard surface while granite has localised softer spots from feldspar and mica inclusions.
Which is more scratch-resistant, quartz or granite?
Both are highly scratch-resistant and neither will scratch from normal kitchen use. The difference is consistency. Engineered quartz is uniformly hard across its entire surface. Granite can have softer mineral inclusions that create localised areas where scratches are slightly more likely.
Is quartz more durable than granite overall?
Both are extremely durable with 25 to 30 year lifespans. Quartz has advantages in stain resistance and maintenance. Granite has advantages in heat resistance and impact resistance. Overall durability is comparable but quartz requires less upkeep.
Does hardness matter when choosing between quartz and granite?
For kitchen use hardness differences are negligible. Both score around 7 on the Mohs scale. More important factors are maintenance (quartz needs none), appearance preferences, heat tolerance and budget.
This article is part of our growing Quartz FAQs hub where we answer the most common questions Bedford homeowners ask about quartz worktops. If you cannot find the answer you need feel free to call us on 01234 348590 or email info@preciousmarble.co.uk.
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Yes for the right areas. Quartz excels at prep stations and front-of-house counters. Here is where it works best and where stainless steel is still king.
Yes. Quartz is excellent for commercial kitchens in the right areas. It is NSF certified for food contact, non-porous, highly scratch-resistant and easy to clean. It excels at prep stations, serving counters, bars and front-of-house areas. For high-heat cooking stations (directly adjacent to ranges and fryers) stainless steel remains the better choice due to its superior heat tolerance. Many commercial kitchens use quartz and stainless steel together in different zones.
Where Quartz Works in Commercial Settings
The key to using quartz successfully in a commercial kitchen is understanding which areas suit its strengths and which areas need a different material. Quartz is not a one-size-fits-all commercial surface but it is an excellent choice for specific zones.
Food preparation stations. This is where quartz truly excels commercially. The non-porous surface prevents bacterial contamination between food items. It resists staining from pigmented ingredients. It is hard enough that knives and utensils do not damage it (though chopping boards should still be used to protect knife edges). Cleaning between tasks requires only a quick wipe with food-safe sanitiser.
Front-of-house counters and bars. Restaurants, cafes and bars frequently use quartz for customer-facing surfaces because it combines hygiene with aesthetics. A marble-effect quartz bar counter creates a premium impression while being far more practical than actual marble in a high-traffic hospitality environment.
Bakery and pastry stations. The smooth cool surface of quartz is ideal for rolling dough and tempering chocolate. It stays cooler than stainless steel which is an advantage for temperature-sensitive pastry work.
Serving and plating areas. The pass (where dishes are placed for collection by serving staff) benefits from a quartz surface that is easy to keep spotless and looks professional under the heat lamps.
Office kitchens and staff canteens. Commercial office kitchens and break rooms frequently choose quartz for its combination of durability, hygiene and visual appeal at a lower maintenance burden than natural stone.
Hygiene Credentials and Certifications
Hygiene is the primary concern in any commercial food environment. Quartz has strong credentials in this area.
NSF/ANSI 51 certification. Major quartz brands including Silestone and Caesarstone hold NSF International certification confirming their products are safe for use as food contact surfaces. This is the same standard that applies to stainless steel and other commercial kitchen materials.
Non-porous surface. With a water absorption rate below 0.05% quartz does not allow bacteria, mould or mildew to penetrate the surface. This is critical in food preparation environments where cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods is a serious health risk.
Environmental Health compliance. Quartz meets the requirements set by UK Environmental Health Officers for food preparation surfaces. Premises using quartz worktops can achieve the full 5-star Food Hygiene Rating provided all other standards are also met.
Silestone Bacteriostatic Protection. Some Silestone products include built-in bacteriostatic protection (under the brand name Hygiene by Silestone) that actively inhibits bacterial growth on the surface. This provides an additional layer of hygiene assurance for food service environments.
Hygiene Rating Tip
If you are opening a food business or renovating a commercial kitchen and plan to use quartz worktops keep the NSF certification documentation from your quartz supplier. Environmental Health Officers may ask to see proof of food contact suitability during inspections. All major brands provide this documentation on request.
Quartz vs Stainless Steel Comparison
Feature
Quartz
Stainless Steel
Food Safety Certified
✔ NSF/ANSI 51
✔ NSF/ANSI 51
Heat Resistance
~150°C (trivets needed)
500°C+ (hot pans safe)
Scratch Resistance
Excellent (Mohs 7)
Moderate (scratches visibly)
Stain Resistance
Excellent
Excellent
Aesthetics
Wide colour and pattern range
Industrial look only
Noise
Quiet (absorbs impact)
Loud (amplifies impact)
Integral Sink Option
✘ No (separate undermount)
✔ Yes (welded in)
Cost (installed /m²)
£300–£700
£200–£500
Best Suited To
Prep, front-of-house, bars
Cooking stations, wash areas
Durability Under Heavy Commercial Use
Commercial kitchens subject worktops to far more intensive use than residential kitchens. The question is whether quartz can handle the pace. The answer is yes for its intended application areas.
A busy restaurant prep station may see 12–16 hours of continuous use per day, 6–7 days per week. The surface is cleaned dozens of times daily with commercial sanitisers. Heavy equipment is placed on and removed from the surface repeatedly. Staff work at speed which means items are placed down with more force than in a domestic kitchen.
Quartz handles all of this well. The Mohs 7 hardness means the surface does not develop the wear patterns that laminate or wood surfaces show within months of commercial use. The non-porous surface tolerates frequent cleaning with food-safe sanitisers without degradation (provided the sanitisers are pH-neutral rather than bleach-based). The colour and polish are maintained because they are integral to the material rather than a surface finish that wears away.
At Precious Marble we have supplied quartz worktops to several Bedford restaurants, cafes and commercial premises. The feedback after years of heavy use is consistently positive. The key is using quartz in the right zones and stainless steel where extreme heat tolerance is required.
Limitations in Commercial Environments
Being honest about limitations helps commercial clients make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Heat limitation. This is the primary constraint. Quartz tolerates temperatures up to approximately 150°C. In a commercial kitchen where hot pans come off commercial ranges at 250°C+ and fryer baskets at 180°C+ trivets must be used consistently. In fast-paced service periods this discipline can be difficult to maintain which is why stainless steel is preferred directly adjacent to cooking equipment.
No integral sinks. Stainless steel can be welded into seamless integrated sinks and drainers. Quartz requires separate undermount or drop-in sinks with silicone-sealed joints. In a high-volume wash area where water management is critical stainless steel's seamless construction is preferred.
Weight. At approximately 50 kg per square metre (20mm thickness) quartz is heavier than stainless steel. This requires robust supporting structures which adds to the fit-out cost in commercial environments.
Bleach cleaning. Some commercial kitchens use bleach-based sanitisers as standard. Bleach degrades quartz resin over time causing discolouration. If your cleaning protocol requires bleach stainless steel is a better surface choice for those areas. Quartz-safe alternatives include quaternary ammonium-based sanitisers which are equally effective against bacteria.
Best Commercial Applications for Quartz
Based on our experience supplying Bedford commercial premises here are the applications where quartz delivers the best return on investment.
Restaurant bar counters. Where customers interact directly with the surface. Quartz provides a premium look that marble-effect designs enhance while withstanding spills, glasses and heavy use.
Cafe and coffee shop counters. High-traffic serving areas that need to look good from opening to closing. Coffee stains wipe away instantly from quartz.
Hotel reception and breakfast areas. Buffet stations and reception counters benefit from the aesthetic range and hygiene properties of quartz.
Commercial bakeries. The cool smooth surface is ideal for pastry work and the stain resistance handles flour, butter and food colouring effortlessly.
Dental and medical reception areas. The non-porous hygiene-certified surface is valued in healthcare environments where cleanliness is paramount.
Office kitchens and break rooms. Durable, attractive and easy to maintain in shared staff areas.
If you are fitting out a commercial premises in Bedford or the wider Bedfordshire area contact our team at Precious Marble to discuss your requirements. We can advise on the best material for each zone of your kitchen and provide competitive commercial pricing.
Commercial Quartz Projects in Bedford
We supply and install quartz worktops for restaurants, cafes, hotels and commercial premises across Bedfordshire.
From restaurant counters to hotel receptions quartz delivers commercial-grade performance with design-led aesthetics. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a commercial quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can quartz worktops be used in restaurants and commercial kitchens?
Yes. Quartz is widely used in commercial food environments including restaurants, hotels, cafes and bakeries. The non-porous surface meets food hygiene standards and is NSF certified. Quartz is best suited to prep stations, front-of-house areas and serving counters rather than high-heat cooking stations.
Does quartz meet food hygiene regulations for commercial kitchens?
Yes. Quartz is NSF/ANSI 51 certified as safe for food contact surfaces. The non-porous surface prevents bacteria from harbouring within the material. It meets the requirements of UK Environmental Health Officers for food preparation areas.
Is quartz durable enough for a busy commercial kitchen?
Quartz is extremely durable. It scores 7 on the Mohs hardness scale resisting scratches from knives and utensils. It does not stain from food contact. The main limitation is heat resistance. Quartz should not be used directly adjacent to cooking ranges where temperatures regularly exceed 150°C.
Why do some commercial kitchens prefer stainless steel over quartz?
Stainless steel withstands temperatures above 500°C and can have hot pans placed directly on it. It is lighter, can be welded into integral sinks and tolerates bleach-based sanitisers. Quartz is preferred for front-of-house counters and prep areas where aesthetics and stain resistance matter more than extreme heat tolerance.
This article is part of our growing Quartz FAQs hub where we answer the most common questions Bedford homeowners and business owners ask about quartz worktops. If you cannot find the answer you need feel free to call us on 01234 348590 or email info@preciousmarble.co.uk.
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