What Can Quartz Scratch?
One of the most widely used materials for kitchen and bathroom counter tops is quartz as it is highly durable and aesthetically appealing. For homeowners or players in the industry who are considering quartz, this realization of what quartz scratches and can be scratched by is a must. This article will delve into the hardnes of quartz, what quartz can scratch, and what not to in order to avoid scraping the surface.
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What Can Quartz Scratch?[/caption]
Hardness and Longevity of Quartz
This is one of the properties that has made quartz so valuable to us, as it is a very hard mineral—quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness where diamonds rank a 10. The Mohs scale (1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10, the hardest) ranks materials according to how scratch-resistant they are. Quartz is around a 7 which is harder than materials we typically come into contact in a kitchen or bathroom.
What Hardness of Quartz Means
Scratch Resistant: Quartz is ranked 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is far harder than most materials used in the home kitchen, and as such is highly resistant to scratching by virtually all kitchen utensils (turners, spoons, etc) made of materials with lower hardness with stainless steel coming in around 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
What Quartz Can Scratch:
Softer Materials: Quartz is harder than some softer materials such as plastic (3 on the Mohs scale), some types of wood (both 2-6) and even stone, like marble (approximately 3-4 on the Mohs scale). This property ensures that quartz can be the best option where much workability is needed as it remains completely unscathed even under harsh conditions.
What Can Scratch Quartz:
Denser Materials: Although quartz is hardy, some of the very hardest materials, like diamonds (10 on the Mohs scale), tungsten carbide (about 9) and a few of the engineered materials designed for cutting, will scratch quartz surfaces.
Preventative Maintenance for Scratch Avoidance
Cutting Boards: For all the hardness of quartz, its recommended to not cut directly on quartz to eliminate the risk of scratching caused by harder materials, and to protect your kitchen knives since the hardness of quartz can dull sharp blades.
Non-abrasive Cleaners: Do not to use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the quartz finish, which may make it more susceptible to scratching over time.
Avoid Using Sharp or Heavy Tools Near Quartz Surface KaBOOM!'s recomendation takes into account the fact that chips or cracks are usually a result of high-impact contact where edges or corners will be the first to be affected.
Prevention and Education Measures
Clean them Properly: We advise you to clean them with mild sop and soft cloth or sponge regularly. This method ensures the top is safe and keeps the shine but without rubbing and without scratching it.
Routine Inspections: Check periodically to ensure there are no worn out or damaged areas, especially in high-traffic locations. This can help in detecting small scratches or dents early and taking preventive steps before it becomes irreversible.
For a little more in-depth information on how to take care of your quartz surfaces, including how “un-scratchable” they are, check out can quartz scratch.
Conclusion
Although quartz is still making great progress to be effectively scratch resistant, it is an excellent choice for kitchens that are going to get a lot of use. Through an understanding of which materials will interact safely with quartz and which should be avoided, homeowners can help keep their quartz surfaces looking brand new for years to come. By giving them proper care, routine maintenance, and with using the right cleaning tools are the three things to help extend their life and preserve the look of your quartz countertops so you can enjoy them as a lasting start, you can get the most out of your quartz countertop investment in the home.