

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natural Stone?
Natural Stone is not manufactured; it is a product of nature. Blocks are removed from the quarry, slabs are cut from these blocks, and the slabs are further fabricated into the final stone to be installed. Each block is different; each slab is different. Skillful blending or matching of the dimension stone blocks, veneer panels, tops, etc., results in a beautiful blending of nature variety and design.
In contrast to the uniformity of materials produced by machine or assembly line, stone naturally varied appearance has wonderful character. Uniformity of material, when applied to natural stone, is a term of relative value that needs to be understood when making a selection.
What is Granite?
An excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors, and other heavily used surfaces. Statistics from various sources indicate that the granite quarried in the countries of China, India, and Brazil comprises approximately 2/3 of the granite used worldwide. There are granite quarries in operation in dozens of countries and it is one of the most popular natural stones on the market. New granite resources are continually being located and developed throughout the world. Granite has long enjoyed use as an exterior cladding and pavement material.
Its inherent strength, abrasion resistance and superior weathering durability are likely to keep it one of the preeminent material selections available to today's architects. Granite has also been employed as the traditional material for municipal curbs, where its strength and durability have been documented with decades of vehicular abuse. In the northern climates where snow melting chemicals are used heavily, granite has resisted the attack of these caustic agents. Being one of the hardest of the dimension stone types, granite was historically avoided by the smaller, local stone fabricating shops, who favored marbles and limestones due to their easier working properties.
A recent boom in the supply of affordable machinery and abrasives technologies eliminated these previous difficulties in fabrication. As a result, the use of granite has skyrocketed in residential interior applications. Available in a striking array of colors, granite's durability, longevity, and economy make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors. Some synthetic surfaces scratch easily, while the hardness of the minerals comprising most granites surpasses that of the utensils that are used on them, resulting in excellent scratch resistance. Granite is typically heat resistant up to temperatures of ±250°C (±480°F) Direct application of localized heat sources is discouraged since strong thermal gradients within the stone can initiate cracking.
According to the Marble Institute of America Technical Bulletins studies of bacteria retention on common countertop surfaces have proven granite to be superior to the majority of surfaces employed for that purposes. Absorption rates (% water, by weight) of stones in this group range from 0.05% to 0.40%, indicating that the available pore volume capable of harboring a staining agent is very slight. Impregnating repellents are sometimes used to further reduce the stain resistance of these materials.
What is a Polished finish?
A mirror-like, glossy surface that brings out the color and character of the stone to its fullest, because it optimally reflects the light.
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary stone with at least 50% calcite or calcium carbonate content. Almost all limestone is composed of grains or fragments of biologic origin, ranging from fossils to dinosaur bones. Most limestone is marine in origin, composed of micro-sized fossils of marine organisms like the shells found on most beaches. It is very common to find pieces of shells in limestone tiles.
What is a Honed finish?
A velvety smooth surface with little or no gloss. The degree of honing depends on the stone, but may vary from light to heavy.
Where Is Quantum Surfaces Quartz Manufactured?
Quantum Surfaces Quartz is manufactured using advanced technology and is distributed through our well-equipped facilities located across the US including Tampa, Orlando, Naples, and Sterling Heights.
Can Quantum Surfaces Quartz Be Used For Outdoor Areas?
It is not recommended to use Quantum Surfaces quartz in exterior areas where the product is directly exposed to UV rays or sunlight. The engineered stone consists of Unsaturated Polyester resin which will degrade in the presence of UV light. Thus it is usually preferred to use quartz surfaces in kitchen countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, wall cladding, and other indoor surface areas.
What is Slate & Soapstone?
Versatile, Chemically Resistant Materials A traditional use of both these materials was the laboratory table top in chemistry labs. That application alone should serve as a great testimonial to the chemical resistance of the materials. Being of the softer varieties of dimension stone types, neither of these materials is known for particularly high abrasion or scratch resistance, yet they are both used a flooring and countertop products.
Soapstone is highly heat resistant, and has been used in fireplace surrounds frequently to take advantage of this property. Slate, being of laminar construction, has the ability to be processed into thin sheets and still maintain serviceable strength and rigidity. This property makes slate the only dimension stone having been used for blackboards and roofing shingles. It was also traditionally used as the cloth-covered playing surface of billiards tables.
What are Marbles and Onyxes?
Marble is a metamorphic rock found in the mountainous regions of most countries of the world. Marble quarried in India, China, Italy, and Spain represents the majority of marble, in terms of volume, that is utilized worldwide. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and windowsills. With its inherent warmth, marble adds a sophisticated element to the area in which it is installed. Its naturally random appearance, engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a premium choice for floors, wall claddings, table tops, wainscot, floors, and vanity tops.
Many marbles are well suited for wet area application, which extends the versatility of this material to include tub decks and showers. The calcite crystal is the basic building block of true marbles. The calcite crystal is vulnerable to attack by mild acids, including those commonly found in kitchen and bar settings. The user selecting marble for these applications should be aware of, and accepting of the maintenance and patina that is to be anticipated with this combination. Acid rain and other weathering elements can also affect exterior marble installations, and are generally limited to white marbles, with some exceptions.
Often mistaken for marble is serpentine, which is actually magnesium-silicate based as opposed to calcite based. As a result of the different mineralogy and whole rock chemistry of serpentine, it exhibits greater acid resistance and abrasion resistance than true marble does. These properties make serpentine a common choice for both kitchen counters and exterior applications. Onyx is often confused with marbles, yet it is a significantly different rock type.
Onyx is a sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. This formation method results in the cryptocrystalline construction of the rock fabric, and it is the size and uniformity of these crystals that contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties. While vulnerable to chemical and abrasive attack, the decorative appeal of onyx is perhaps unsurpassed by any other material.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is a calcium-based stone. Travertine is generated by the deposit of calcium carbonate resulting from water springs and streams running through the stone. Every time a drop in pressure or change of temperature occurs, the water releases carbon dioxide as gas, much like carbonated beverages. This gas causes holes to form in the travertine. These natural pores are still going to be present once the blocks are cut into tiles
The amount of holes depends by how compact each travertine type is and it varies greatly by the type of travertine. The pores present in the tiles can be filled with a paste made of cement and pigments. However, it is important to note that these void spaces are a distinctive character of travertine tiles and they are always going to be present to a certain extent.
What Are Engineered Stone Countertops?
The Engineered stone countertops are man-made stones and consist of 93% Natural quartz and 7% of Unsaturated Polyester Resin. Its pigments are used to provide the colour of the desired choice to quartz surfaces and can be custom-made.In contrast to the uniformity of materials produced by machine or assembly line, stone naturally varied appearance has wonderful character. Uniformity of material, when applied to natural stone, is a term of relative value that needs to be understood when making a selection.
How is Quantum Surfaces Quartz Manufactured?
Quantum Surfaces Quartz is manufactured using patented Bretonstone technology. A brief outline of the manufacturing process is described below.
1. Feeding of Raw Material and Mixing:The raw materials (quartz, pigments, and resins) are carefully selected and then subjected to stringent quality checks and then mixed together.
2. Moulding and Pressing:The mixture is then poured into a mold and formed into slabs of the required sizes. It is then subjected to vacuum vibro-compression. This removes all the air and creates an even and compacted surface.
3. Curing: The slabs are then moved to the curing kiln and heated at 100°C to 120°C for 45 minutes which provides the required levels of strength and solidity.
4. Polishing: The slabs are calibrated and then polished to a perfect finish.
5. Quality Inspection: Every slab then undergoes rigorous quality inspection to ensure it meets our extremely high standards of colour, pattern, and consistency.
6. Labelling, Packing & Dispatch: The slabs are then labeled, sorted, and packed into bundles and safely shipped so that they reach our customers in perfect condition.
Is Quantum Surfaces Quartz A Green Product?
Quantum Surfaces is committed to the responsible usage of our natural resources. We always use the finest raw materials extracted from the earth and source them sensitively, and responsibly. The result is a highly durable and enduring material. Quantum Surfaces Factories are certified by GREENGUARD, GREENGUARD GOLD as a low-emitting product for indoor air quality and are suitable for all interior surfacing purposes. Quartz surfaces produce no harmful emissions of any kind.
Our Quartz factories are also certified by ISO, NSF, KOSHER, and also members of the US Green Building Council.
Are Quantum Surfaces Quartz Safe For Food Preparation?
Quantum Surfaces quartz are safe for food contact and prevent the growth of any kind of bacteria, mold, or mildew. Therefore, Quartz slabs are usually preferred for food service areas in restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities, office buildings, and public spaces.
To earn the right to use the NSF Mark, Quantum Surfaces quartz not only met the stringent evaluation and testing requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 51 but also rigorous, unannounced inspections of its production facilities, which are conducted on a routine basis.
What is Quantum Surfaces Quartz and how it is different when compared to granite & other surface materials?
Quantum Surfaces Quartz is made of pure natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth and has great performance and durability. Granite consists of about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities. With Quantum Surfaces' Quartz, you get the aesthetics and feel of granite but possess greater strength and the advantage of it being non-porous and maintenance-free. Quantum Surfaces' Quartz is highly stain-resistant and would never need sealing. Just wash it with warm water, and use mild soap if required. Granite is a porous stone and needs to be sealed regularly. It can absorb liquids and food, risking potential staining and bacterial growth within the countertop.
Quartz Surface | Granite | Solid Surface | Ceramic Tile | Laminate | |
Stain Resistant | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Burn Resistant | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Scratch Resistant | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Colour Variety | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mold/Mildew Resistant | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Limited Lifetime Warranty | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |