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Do you know the strength or the hardness of the minerals you use for home remodeling can be measured? There is a scale to check the strength of the minerals you opt for your countertops which is known as the Mohs scale.

Generally, for kitchen and bathrooms, people consider quartz due to varying reasons including beauty and durability. Quartz Mohs scale score determines its suitability for a home in the long run.

Let’s discuss more about the Mohs hardness scale and distinct features of Quartz that make it an excellent choice for countertops. This will help you in making the right choice for your home.

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Mohs scale of hardness was developed by German mineralogist Frederich Mohs in 1822. This scale determines the strength of the minerals with unknown hardness.

The ranking on the scale varies from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

People demand resistance to scratching for the mineral they choose for their countertops. Mohs hardness scale helps them in getting the right thing based on the relative strength and durability.

The hardness of the mineral relies on the crystallographic direction i.e., the bond between the atoms. Thereby, it is to be noted that there are variations in the hardness that depends on the direction in which the mineral specimen is tested.

While testing the mineral specimen, it is imperative to identify which material is scratched. The mineral powder can be blown off after which the surface is felt by running a fingernail over the mineral surface.

According to the Mohs scale, the hardest material is diamond with a score of 10. The list of minerals on Mohs scale hardness ranking includes corundum 9, Topaz 8, Quartz 7, Granite 7, Limestone 4, Marble 3, and soapstone 1.

The hardness of the minerals is important for its long-term investment. Harder minerals are able to withstand any extremities and last longer as compared to soft minerals.

How Quartz Compares To Other Countertop Stones

There are a few home designing elements that trigger heated debate about countertops and divide the people. A number of different options are available for people while opting for stunning countertops such as quartz, granite, marble, soapstone, and so on.

Each material has its own negative and positive aspects. For example, some are very hard and durable whereas, others can be marred or scratched. Quartz is one of the finest stones you can have for your countertops.

It is an engineered stone and available in many colors as compared to granite and soapstone. It has been observed that variations in texture and design are unique making it an inimitable stone.

Unlike other countertop stones like granite specifically, Quartz does not require annual resealing. People find it a hassle to reschedule the sealing of the countertop stones.

Quartz is an easy to maintain stone with regular cleaning only.

It is to be noted that quartz has a more natural and convincing appearance than any other solid material. Moreover, it can be customized to any shape and size, unlike other stones.

Keeping in mind these distinct features, quartz is found to be the preferred choice of homeowners that last longer.

Process of Making Quartz Countertops

The process of making quartz countertops follows 6 different stages.

Following is a comprehensive discussion of all the steps required for quartz countertops.

1. Raw Material – Raw quartz granules or sand is gathered to make quartz countertops. Usually, these raw pieces are collected after the completion of manufacturing in the factories.

2. Blending – The collected pieces of raw quartz minerals are then crushed and blended. This follows the ratio of 93% quartz aggregates to 7% polyester resins and other additives.

3. Slab Pressing – The blended mixture is compacted to make the slabs through vibration and vacuum tactics.

The manufacturers apply pressure for 100 seconds at 100 tons. This step reduces the porosity of the surface while minimizing water absorption.

4. Heating – This is the curing stage through the kiln. The heat is given at 85 digress for almost 30 minutes. This benefits in enhancing the resistance to stain property of the stone.

After heating, the slabs are evaluated, adjusted, and polished which makes them ready for the next stage.

5. Cooling and Cutting – Cooling the slabs is essential after exposing them to high heat. Using a clamp, the slabs are placed in an upright position and cooled for a day or two.

Once the temperature is normal, the edges are leveled and trimmed.

6. Quality Assurance – Before supplying the slabs in the market, the manufacturers ensure uniformity and consistency in the dimension and shades.

Why Quartz makes an Excellent Choice for a Countertop

Homeowners have a wide variety of options for their countertops. Each stone has its own unique characteristics that fit the user’s choice.

However, the Quartz countertop adds luxury and style to the place with its distinct features.

There are a number of different aspects that make quartz an excellent choice for a countertop. Those aspects include:

Low Maintenance

Most of the elegant stone countertops require high maintenance. Unlike this, quartz is easy to maintain the stone.

Its surface is not porous and does not require resealing. You can simply clean it regularly to ensure long-lasting results.

Durability

The durability and strength of Quartz countertops can be determined by its Mohs scale score i.e., 7. It is harder than granite which makes it the perfect choice for kitchen countertops.

Limitless Designs

People want variety in design and colors. Quartz is found to be one of the unique and flair materials for homeowners.

You can have a wide variety of designs and colors that can easily blend with your home interior.

You can certainly find the color, design, and size of quartz according to your choice as it can be customized as per your demand.

Final Thoughts

This is all about Mohs scale and the durability of the quartz based on it. Quartz Mohs scale score reflects the strength desired by homeowners while finding the right choice for their countertops.

If you want to get more such information and professional assistance, you may contact Boston’s countertop. You can get in touch with is at 978-447-1001.