Quartz FAQs What Is Quartz Made Of Ground natural quartz crystals, polymer resin and pigments. Here is the exact composition and what each ingredient does. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » What Is Quartz Made Of PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:23:392026-04-16 15:11:38What Is A Quartz Worktop
Quartz FAQs What Are The Colors Of Quartz Hundreds of options from pure whites to dramatic blacks. Here is the complete colour guide to help you navigate the range. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » What Are The Colors Of Quartz PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:16:292026-04-16 15:12:38What Are The Colors Of Quartz
Quartz FAQs What Is Quartz Made Of Ground natural quartz crystals, polymer resin and pigments. Here is the exact composition and what each ingredient does. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » What Is Quartz Made Of PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with over 15 years of fabrication […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:23:392026-04-16 15:11:38What Is A Quartz Worktop
Quartz FAQs What Are The Colors Of Quartz Hundreds of options from pure whites to dramatic blacks. Here is the complete colour guide to help you navigate the range. Get a Quote 01234 348590 Home » Quartz FAQs » What Are The Colors Of Quartz PM Precious Marble Team Quartz worktop specialists in Bedford with […]
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:16:292026-04-16 15:12:38What Are The Colors Of Quartz
A quartz worktop is made from three ingredients: 90–94% ground natural quartz crystals (silicon dioxide, the mineral that provides Mohs 7 hardness), 5–8% polymer resin (polyester or acrylic, the binder that makes it non-porous) and 1–2% colour pigments (for colour and pattern). The quartz mineral is natural. The resin and pigments are synthetic. The resin is both the hero (creating the non-porous, stain-proof surface) and the limitation (causing the ~150°C heat sensitivity).
Composition Breakdown Table
Ingredient
Percentage
Natural or Synthetic
What It Provides
Ground Quartz
90–94%
Natural (mined)
Hardness (Mohs 7), scratch resistance, stone character, weight
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂) is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust after feldspar. It is found in almost every geological environment and is 100% natural. The quartz used in worktop manufacturing is mined from quarries, cleaned to remove impurities and ground into particles of varying sizes from fine powder to coarse granules.
The quartz content is what gives a quartz worktop its defining properties. At Mohs 7 hardness quartz is harder than steel (5–6.5), glass (5.5) and even most types of granite (6–7). This hardness is distributed uniformly across the surface because the particles are mixed evenly during manufacturing. Unlike natural granite which has softer mineral inclusions that create weak spots every point on a quartz worktop has the same hardness.
The particle size mix matters. Manufacturers blend coarse, medium and fine quartz particles to achieve optimal density. Coarser particles provide structural strength. Finer particles fill the gaps between larger ones. This graduated particle approach is what allows the vacuum compaction process to achieve near-zero porosity.
The Resin Component (5–8%)
The polymer resin is the ingredient that transforms loose quartz particles into a solid, non-porous slab. Most manufacturers use unsaturated polyester resin. Some premium brands use acrylic resin which can offer slightly better UV resistance and flexibility. The resin serves three critical functions.
Binding. The resin bonds the quartz particles together into a rigid solid mass. Without it the ground quartz would be loose powder. The resin cures (hardens permanently) during the heat treatment stage of manufacturing.
Non-porosity. The resin fills every microscopic gap between quartz particles. Combined with the vacuum compaction process this achieves a water absorption rate below 0.05%. This is what makes quartz effectively non-porous and why it never needs sealing.
Colour depth. Light passes through the transparent resin slightly differently than it would through air gaps creating a visual depth and luminosity. This is particularly noticeable in polished finishes where quartz has a warmth and richness that resin-free surfaces like Dekton and porcelain cannot fully replicate.
The resin is also responsible for quartz's one significant limitation: heat sensitivity. Polyester resin softens at approximately 150°C. This is why hot pans from the hob or oven must be placed on trivets rather than directly on quartz. It is also why bleach can damage the resin component.
Pigments and Additions (1–2%)
Colour pigments are added to create the vast range of colours available. From pure whites to deep blacks and every shade in between pigments make quartz the most design-flexible stone worktop material. For veined designs additional pigmented materials are introduced during mixing to create the marble-effect vein patterns.
Some manufacturers add optional materials for decorative effect: recycled glass pieces for sparkle, mirror particles for shimmer or metallic flecks for a granite-like appearance. These additions are typically less than 2% of the total composition and do not significantly affect the physical properties. Some eco-conscious brands use recycled content to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
How Composition Affects Performance
Property
Provided By
How It Works
Scratch Resistance
Quartz mineral (Mohs 7)
Silicon dioxide is harder than steel knives
Non-Porosity
Resin + vacuum compaction
Resin fills all gaps, vacuum removes all air
Stain Resistance
Non-porosity (resin)
No pores for liquids to penetrate
Colour Variety
Pigments + resin
Pigments distributed evenly through resin matrix
Heat Limitation
Resin (~150°C limit)
Polyester resin softens at high temperatures
UV Sensitivity
Resin (degrades in UV)
UV breaks down resin bonds causing yellowing
Visual Depth
Resin (light transmission)
Light enters resin slightly, creating luminosity
The Resin Paradox
The polymer resin is both the hero and the limitation. It creates the non-porous, stain-proof, colour-rich surface that makes quartz so popular. It also creates the heat and UV sensitivity that are quartz's only significant drawbacks. Resin-free alternatives like Dekton solve the heat issue but lose the colour depth and warmth that resin provides. For most homeowners the resin's benefits dramatically outweigh its limitations.
See What Quartz Is Made Of Up Close
Visit our Bedford showroom to see and feel quartz samples in person. Free expert advice.
Now you know what goes into every quartz worktop. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quartz worktop made of?
90–94% ground natural quartz crystals, 5–8% polymer resin and 1–2% colour pigments. Some designs include recycled glass or metallic flecks.
What is the resin in quartz worktops?
Typically polyester or acrylic polymer resin. It bonds the quartz particles, creates the non-porous surface and is responsible for both the stain resistance and the ~150°C heat limitation.
Is the quartz in worktops natural or synthetic?
The quartz mineral is 100% natural (mined from the earth). The resin and pigments are synthetic. A quartz worktop is a combination of natural mineral and synthetic binders.
Does the composition affect performance?
Yes. High quartz content provides hardness and scratch resistance. Resin provides non-porosity and stain resistance but also creates heat and UV limitations.
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.
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:23:392026-04-16 15:11:38What Is A Quartz Worktop
Quartz worktops are available in hundreds of colours including: pure whites, creams, marble-effects (Calacatta, Carrara, Statuario), light to dark greys, concrete-effects, blacks, warm neutrals (beige, taupe, sand), browns and bold colours (navy, green, terracotta). Each comes in polished, matte and leathered finishes. White marble-effect is the UK's most popular at 30–35% of sales. Warm neutrals are the fastest-growing trend in 2026.
Quartz Colour Families Table
Colour Family
Includes
UK Popularity
Price Range
White Marble-Effect
Calacatta, Carrara, Statuario with veining
30–35% (most popular)
£400–£700/m²
Pure White
Solid white, off-white, ice white
10–12%
£200–£350/m²
Light Grey
Pale grey, silver, light concrete
12–15%
£250–£500/m²
Mid/Dark Grey
Charcoal, dark concrete, storm grey
10–15%
£250–£500/m²
Black
Solid black, black with veining, galaxy
8–10%
£250–£600/m²
Warm Neutrals
Beige, taupe, sand, mushroom, cream
8–12% (fastest growing)
£250–£500/m²
Browns
Coffee, chocolate, walnut, espresso
3–5%
£250–£500/m²
Bold Colours
Navy, forest green, terracotta, blue
2–4% (emerging)
£400–£700/m²
Whites and Creams
White-toned quartz dominates the UK market. Pure whites create the cleanest most uniform appearance and are one of the most affordable quartz options. Off-whites and creams add warmth without sacrificing brightness. These colours work in every kitchen style and are the safest choice for maximising resale appeal.
White quartz is particularly effective in small or dark kitchens where the light reflective surface helps the room feel larger and brighter. A polished finish amplifies this effect by bouncing additional light around the space.
Marble-Effect Veined Designs
Veined marble-effect designs are the single most popular quartz category. Calacatta-style (bold dramatic veining) and Carrara-style (softer delicate veining) lead the way. These give you the coveted marble aesthetic without marble's maintenance demands: no etching, staining or sealing. Premium brands achieve remarkable realism particularly in matte finishes.
Greys and Concrete-Effects
Grey quartz is the second most popular colour family. The trend has evolved from cool blue-greys toward warmer greige (grey-beige) tones. Concrete-effect greys in matte finishes are a strong sub-category for industrial and Scandinavian kitchens. Mid-tone greys are among the most practical colours because they hide everyday marks better than white or black.
Blacks and Dark Tones
Black quartz creates dramatic contrast in white or light-coloured kitchens. Dark colours require a little more attention to cleaning because water spots and fingerprints are more visible on polished dark surfaces. A matte finish reduces this significantly. Dark quartz is increasingly popular for kitchen islands rather than entire kitchens creating a two-tone design with light perimeter worktops.
Warm Neutrals and Bold Colours
Warm neutrals (beige, taupe, sand, mushroom) are the fastest-growing quartz colour category in 2026. After years of cool greys UK homeowners are moving toward warmer tones that pair naturally with wood-tone cabinets, brass hardware and natural material palettes. Bold colours (navy, forest green, terracotta) remain niche but are growing among homeowners who want a truly individual kitchen.
How Finish Changes Colour
The same colour looks noticeably different across finishes. Polished makes colours appear deeper and richer. Matte makes them lighter and softer. Dark colours show the most dramatic shift between finishes. Light colours show less difference. Always view samples in both finishes before committing. For a detailed comparison see our matte vs polished guide.
See Colours in Person
Screens cannot accurately represent quartz colours. The depth, texture and temperature need to be seen under real lighting. Visit our Bedford showroom to compare colours and finishes in person. We provide sample chips to view under your own kitchen lighting. Call 01234 348590 to arrange a visit.
Explore the Full Colour Range
Hundreds of colours and finishes in our Bedford showroom. Free expert advice on the perfect colour for your kitchen.
The right colour transforms your kitchen. Visit our quartz worktops Bedford page to explore the range and request a free no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours do quartz worktops come in?
Hundreds of colours: whites, marble-effects, greys, blacks, warm neutrals, browns and bold colours. Each available in polished, matte and sometimes leathered finishes.
What is the most popular quartz colour in the UK?
White marble-effect (Calacatta and Carrara styles) at 30–35% of sales. Pure white is second. Light grey is third.
Does the colour affect the price?
Yes. Simple solids: £200–£350/m². Complex veined: £400–£700/m². Colour is the single biggest controllable cost factor.
Which colour is easiest to keep clean?
Mid-tones with movement (speckled greys, marble-effects, warm beiges). Pure white shows crumbs. Pure black shows water spots. All are equally easy to clean because quartz is non-porous.
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.
https://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.png00Evelyn Oralhttps://preciousmarble.co.uk/cb/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/precious-marble-logo-1-300x62.pngEvelyn Oral2026-04-13 12:16:292026-04-16 15:12:38What Are The Colors Of Quartz
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