In the case of slabs sold for countertops there are many different minerals and stones sold as either granite or marble because they contain similar composition and characteristics.
Compare granite quartz and marble countertops.
Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.
Granite is metamorphic or igneous made up of silica mica feldspar and quartz generally with a packed granular surface.
How do the costs compare.
While quartz can closely compare with granite and marble it is of better quality than solid surface countertops.
Homeowners often turn to quartz as an alternative to not only granite and marble but materials such as solid surface as well.
In fact quartz is nearly indestructible and because it isn t porous like granite it s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria free.
Be careful with cooking pans though.
Commercial graniteis an igneous or metamorphic stone that is mainly comprised of silica feldspar mica and quartz.
These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate.
Read on to find out which countertops are the cheapest and which are the most expensive.
Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat so use heating pads at all times.
Some marble is quartz based while others are composed of serpentine a greenish mineral.
Commercial marble is typically available in variations of black and white.
Marble countertops are well made and structurally sound but are less forgiving than their granite or quartz counterparts.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus more durable.
Marble countertop slabs are more expensive than quartz depending on the quality chosen.
Quartz countertops range from about 80 to 140 per square foot installed.
Marble is the most porous of the three and is especially sensitive to.
Therefore the cost difference is not dramatic.
However the labor cost for quartz is higher due to the complicated installation.
Both granite and marble are natural stones.
The table below displays the positive and negative qualities of quartz.