QUARTZ IN THE KITCHEN

Quartz is a common and versatile mineral that plays an important role in many aspects of science, industry and culture.

Quartz is a material with interesting applications in the kitchen, mainly in the manufacture of work surfaces and accessories.

Quartz composition:

Composition: quartz is mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Its crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional lattice of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra. Each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, forming a continuous chain structure.

Crystalline form: There are several varieties of quartz, each with a different crystalline form. Quartz crystals can take many forms, including prismatic crystals or geodes.

Quartz types:

Hyalin Quartz: Transparent and colorless, often used as gemstones or in optical devices.

Smoky Quartz: Smoky brown or gray, used mainly in jewelry and as a decorative material.

Amethyst: Violet variety, highly prized in jewelry for its rich color and transparency.

Citrine quartz: Yellow to orange, often used as a semi-precious stone.

Rose quartz: Pink hue, appreciated for its softness and use in decorative objects and jewelry.

Quartz Worktops :

Composite material: Quartz worktops are not made entirely from pure quartz, but rather from a mixture of natural quartz and resin. Typically, quartz worktops contain around 90-95% natural quartz mixed with a polymer resin, making them highly resistant.

Durability: Quartz surfaces are extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains and impact. They are non-porous, which means they don't absorb liquids and are less likely to stain or develop bacteria.

Aesthetics: They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, often imitating the appearance of marble or granite. This allows you to choose a surface that perfectly matches the style of your kitchen.

Care: Quartz worktops are relatively easy to maintain. They don't require sealing like some other materials, and regular cleaning with soap and water is usually enough to keep them in good condition.

Kitchen bebefits :

Hygiene: Thanks to their non-porous surface, quartz surfaces don't encourage the growth of bacteria and are therefore more hygienic, which is crucial for a kitchen.

Thermal resistance: Although quartz surfaces are resistant to heat, it is always advisable to use trivets to avoid damaging the surface with hot objects.

Heat distribution: Quartz surfaces are also capable of distributing heat evenly, which can be an advantage for certain culinary preparations, although this does not replace the specific functions of cooking equipment.

Ecological considerations :

Durability: Quartz is a durable material, which can reduce the need for frequent replacement and, consequently, the environmental impact associated with the production of new materials.

Manufacturing: The production of quartz composite surfaces involves the use of resins and other materials that may have environmental implications. However, many manufacturers are taking steps to minimize their environmental impact.

In conclusion, quartz and its derivatives offer functional and aesthetic solutions for kitchen surfaces and accessories. Their durability, ease of care and modern appearance make them a popular choice for many households.