Countertop Blog | Granite vs Quartz Guide | Jose's Countertops Edmonton

Granite vs Quartz: The Ultimate Comparison

Published: January 2025 | 8 min read

Choosing between granite and quartz countertops is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your kitchen. Both materials offer unique advantages, and understanding their differences will help you make the perfect choice for your home.

Material Composition

Granite

100% Natural Stone
Formed by volcanic activity
Unique natural patterns
Each slab is one-of-a-kind

Quartz

93% Natural Quartz
7% Polymer resins
Consistent patterns
Engineered for uniformity

Performance Comparison

Feature	Granite	Quartz
Durability	85%	95%
Maintenance	70%	95%
Heat Resistance	95%	75%
Stain Resistance	60%	98%

Quick Decision Guide

Choose Granite If:

You love natural uniqueness
Budget is a primary concern
You cook with hot pots frequently

Choose Quartz If:

You want zero maintenance
Consistency is important
You have a busy lifestyle

Pro Tip: Visit our showroom to see both materials in person!

Where Do Granite and Quartz Come From?

Published: January 2025 | 6 min read

Granite Origins

Granite is a natural igneous rock formed deep within the Earth's crust through the slow cooling of molten magma. This process takes millions of years and creates the beautiful crystalline structure we see today.

Major Granite Quarries Worldwide:

Brazil

Largest granite exporter globally

35% of world production

India

Second largest producer

25% of world production

Canada

Premium quality granite

15% of world production

Finland

High-quality European granite

10% of world production

Quartz Manufacturing

Engineered quartz is manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities using natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. This controlled process ensures consistent quality and appearance.

Leading Quartz Manufacturers:

Caesarstone

Israel - Pioneer in quartz surfaces

Market Leader

Silestone

Spain - Premium quality surfaces

Premium

Cambria

USA - Made in America

Local

HanStone

South Korea - Innovative designs

Innovative

Edmonton Supply Chain

Here in Edmonton, we source our materials from trusted suppliers who work directly with quarries and manufacturers worldwide. This ensures you get the best quality at competitive prices.

Our granite typically comes from Brazilian and Canadian quarries, while our quartz surfaces are sourced from leading manufacturers across North America.

Historical Uses and Modern Costs

Published: January 2025 | 7 min read

A Journey Through Time

2500 BC

Ancient Egypt

Granite was first used to construct pyramids and obelisks. The ancient Egyptians quarried red granite from Aswan, considering it a symbol of strength and eternity.

Primary Uses:

Pyramid construction
Temple foundations
Royal sarcophagi

Why Granite?

Extreme durability
Weather resistance
Prestigious appearance

100-400 AD

Roman Empire

Romans perfected granite quarrying techniques and used it extensively in public buildings, baths, and infrastructure projects throughout their empire.

Roman Innovation: They developed advanced tools and transportation methods that made granite more accessible for construction projects.

800-1500 AD

Medieval Period

During the Middle Ages, granite became the preferred material for castle construction and cathedral building across Europe, valued for its defensive properties.

Cost Factors in Medieval Times:

Transportation: Moving granite required oxen and specialized carts
Labor: Skilled stonemasons were expensive and rare
Tools: Iron tools were costly to make and maintain
Time: Projects took decades to complete

1800s

Industrial Revolution

Steam-powered machinery revolutionized granite quarrying and cutting, making it more affordable for residential and commercial use.

1960s-Present

Modern Era

Engineered quartz was invented in the 1960s, offering a new alternative that combined natural beauty with enhanced performance.

Quartz Revolution: The development of engineered quartz provided consistency and durability that natural stone couldn't match.

2025 Edmonton Pricing

Granite Countertops

Basic Level $45-65/sq ft

Standard colors, simple edges

Premium Level $70-95/sq ft

Exotic colors, custom edges

Luxury Level $100-150/sq ft

Rare stones, complex work

Quartz Countertops

Standard $60-80/sq ft

Basic patterns, standard thickness

Designer $85-120/sq ft

Premium brands, unique patterns

Prices include materials, fabrication, and installation

Cost Factors

Increases Cost:

Complex edge profiles
Multiple cutouts
Undermount sinks
Island installations

Saves Money:

Simple straight edges
Standard slab sizes
Local sourcing
Package deals

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