ENGINEERED QUARTZ is a composite material made of crushed stone and it contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, shaped into slabs and bound with resins. These are not solid quartz slabs produced by quarrying. Engineered quartz comes in many brands such as DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria, and Silestone. It does not require sealing although research reported in Consumer Reports (2010) magazine reveals virtually no difference in performance between quartz based products and sealed granite. Quartz countertops are a low-maintenance option, perfect for any busy kitchen. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists both scratching and staining. Some types are convincing copies of natural marble, with similar veining.

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Pros:  No Sealing Required, Nonporous Surface, Great Stain and Scratch Resistance

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Cons: May Fade When Exposed to UV Light, Not Perfectly Heat Resistant.