When comparing natural stone countertops, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: is quartz harder than granite? Both materials are highly durable and beautiful, yet their composition, strength, and maintenance needs differ. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision for your home project.
Granite Stone: Nature’s Masterpiece
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock formed deep within the Earth’s crust as magma slowly cools and solidifies. This natural process creates a stone filled with quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving each slab its distinct mineral composition and color pattern.
Granite is quarried in large blocks using heavy machinery and often transported with specialized equipment like the stone lifting clamp. These blocks are then cut, polished, and distributed through wholesale granite suppliers and countertop retailers.
Characteristics of Granite
Granite’s defining features include:
- Durability: Resistant to scratches, heat, and pressure.
- Unique appearance: No two slabs are identical.
- Porosity: Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining.
- Variety: Available in white granite countertops, black granite countertops, and exotic colorations.
Because of these qualities, granite has been a preferred material for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor projects for decades.
Quartz Countertops: Engineered Strength
Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from around 90–95% crushed quartz crystals mixed with resin and pigments. This manufacturing process makes quartz highly durable, consistent in design, and non-porous.
While granite forms naturally, quartz is a man-made surface, giving homeowners predictable patterns and colors to match specific design preferences.
Hardness Comparison: Quartz vs Granite
When it comes to hardness, both granite and quartz score impressively high on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness:
- Quartz: Typically ranks 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Granite: Varies between 6 and 7, depending on its exact mineral composition.
This means that while granite is extremely hard, quartz has a slight edge in terms of scratch resistance. However, in everyday use, both materials perform exceptionally well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Granite vs Quartz Countertops: Maintenance Differences
Granite Maintenance
Granite requires more upkeep because it is porous. Homeowners must seal it regularly to prevent water absorption, staining, and bacterial growth. Everyday tasks like cleaning granite countertops, polishing granite surfaces, or repairing chips in granite are common parts of ownership.
Quartz Maintenance
Quartz, being non-porous, does not need sealing. Its engineered surface resists stains and scratches, making it easier to maintain than granite.
Cost Considerations
Granite Countertop Cost
The price of a granite countertop depends on color rarity, slab size, and origin. It can range from $40 to $200 per square foot. Affordable granite options are widely available from wholesale granite suppliers and retailers.
Quartz Countertop Cost
Quartz generally costs $50 to $150 per square foot. While more consistent in price, high-end designs may rival or even exceed premium granite slabs.
If you’re searching for local suppliers, here’s a guide on where to buy granite countertops.
Granite vs Other Natural Stones
When choosing a countertop, you might also consider:
- Granite vs marble: pros and cons → Granite is harder and less prone to etching.
- Granite vs soapstone durability → Granite is stronger but soapstone develops a rustic patina.
- Granite better than concrete countertops → Granite requires less sealing and offers natural appeal.
Style and Design Choices
Granite and quartz both complement a wide range of kitchen designs:
- Granite backsplash designs bring timeless elegance.
- Pairing granite with cabinet colors creates striking contrasts.
- Best Aardwolf granite colors include premium whites, blacks, and exotics that enhance luxury kitchens.
Through the Aardwolf granite countertop collection, you’ll find options like Aardwolf premium granite slabs, expert installation services, and an easy-to-follow granite pricing guide for budget planning.
Final Verdict: Is Quartz Harder Than Granite?
Yes — technically, quartz is slightly harder than granite. However, both materials are incredibly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. For most homeowners, the choice comes down to appearance, maintenance preferences, and budget rather than hardness alone.
- Choose granite if you want a natural, unique surface that adds timeless elegance.
- Choose quartz if you want low-maintenance durability with consistent patterns.
Both will serve as long-lasting, stylish investments for your home.
Related Resources
- Granite – How to tell quartz from granite
- Granite – Is granite cheaper than quartz?
- Granite Countertop – Pricing and functionality
- Granite Countertop – Where to buy granite countert