Quartz
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 04410
General Info
- Quartz is the most common mineral found on the surface of the Earth. A significant component of many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, this natural form of silicon dioxide is found in an impressive range of varieties and colours. [1]
- Quartz countertops are made from a mixture of 93 percent pulverized quartz and a resin binder that hardens with the quartz into a flawless surface. This resin is a highly viscous synthetic compound.
- Resin also occurs naturally in plants and trees. The result of the combination of the resin and quartz is a nonporous finished product unlike any other surface. [2]
Emerging uses / trends
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom counters
- desktops
- stairs
- flooring
- fireplace mantles
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Numerous colors are available. It can even be matched to suit a client's needs.
- Higher end varieties have a granite and marble appearances.
- It may also be honed.
Surface forms / shapes
- Quartz countertops allow for a variety of edging options, just like natural stone. Unlike stone, however, quartz also offers other design possibilities.
- It's more flexible to work with and is held in place using glue and epoxy instead of screws, quartz can be used on larger vertical surfaces like backsplashes and even shower enclosures, without the fissures and seams often all too visible with natural stone. [3]
Cost analysis
- $42 and $96 per square foot, installed
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Non-structural
Material performance
- quartz is extremely durable with a scratch sand scorch resistant surface that ranks No. 7 on the Mohs hardness scale
- quartz is a nonporous surface; therefore it does not stain
- It does not need to be sealed or treated unlike other surfaces like granite, marble and limestone.
- Flexural Strength (kg/cm²): 515
- Impact Test (cm): 135
- Water Absorption by Weight (%): 0.02
- Compressive Strength (kg/cm²): 2200
- Freezing Compressive Strength (after 25 cycles): 2082
Dimensional and opening restriction
- must be supported on a strong perimeter frame or on a full deck support of plywood that will keep it flat within 1⁄16” (1.6mm) per 18” (3000mm) and support the countertop weight for the useful life of the top
- The use of 3⁄4” material requires the use of a minimum 3⁄8” thick plywood sub top. Some types of cabinets may require the use of 3⁄4” plywood for European-style frames and supports.
- The use of 11⁄4” (3cm) material does not require a full sob top, but a strong perimeter frame and supports must be used.
- Leave 1⁄8” (3mm) minimum clearance between the plywood and built-up edges.
Manufacturing process and assembly
- The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine.
- The mixture is compacted into slabs by a special vacuum and vibration process at a pressure of 100 Tons. The slabs are then moved into a curing kiln until they assume true stone properties - but with greater performance and higher resistance to stains and impact.
- When the casting process is completed, the slabs are gauged, calibrated and polished to a high and enduring shine. After which the slabs are moved into our special Quality Control booth and inspected individually. Once registered in our database the process is complete and the slabs are ready to be stocked, packed and shipped.
Environmental impact
- composed of 93% quartz, an abundant natural resource. Much of our quartz is a by-product from mining of other minerals.
- Low levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, contributes to indoor- air quality.
- Less toxic than wood according to the UPITT standard in New York City building code.
- Quartz countertops have been tested and show little to no radon emission. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found in different levels all over the Earth. Many manufactured household materials, like granite countertops, emit small levels of radon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that indoor pollution can be up to 100 times higher than outdoor pollution.[4]
LEED
- quartz surfaces are durable interior surfaces that can contribute to projects achieving LEED points towards certification in the following LEED Rating System:
- LEED for Schools 2007 (EQ Credit 4: Low Emitting Materials) - Option 5 - Furniture and Furnishings (1 point) [5]
Life Safety & Rating Standards
References
Notes
- ↑ http://www.mindat.org/min-3337.html
- ↑ http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/quartz-countertops-in-kitchen1.htm
- ↑ http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/quartz-the-new-countertop-contender/page-2.html
- ↑ http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/quartz-countertops-in-kitchen2.htm
- ↑ http://www.cambriausa.com/pr_leed.cfm
Student contributions
- Hope Hassell, Spring 2010
