Architects have valued natural marble for centuries. Its beauty and technical features have made it an essential material and some quarries such as Carrara are mythical spots in western culture for being the origin of the stone used by great artists such as Michelangelo. Nonetheless, as with many raw materials today, stocks are depleting due to its finite nature and demand coming not just from certain countries but across the globe.
This is why technology, alongside experience and creativity, have led to a near-identical alternative in terms of aesthetic quality and improved techniques: technological quartz. This material is made up of over 90% natural quartz, between 5 and 7% resin polymer and 1% natural pigment.
Thanks to technology, an infinite number of designs can be created, inspired by natural stone, with different tones and veins. In addition to the visual appeal provided by the possibility of creating pieces with different finishes, the material offers technical improvements.
Firstly, quartz is much more resistant to knocks, as well as to the common acids found in a kitchen such as lemon juice, which can affect natural marble given its calcium carbonate structure. It also offers a completely non-porous finish, making it a very hygienic choice.
Moreover, it is light and malleable—both features that are highly appreciated by designers and architects. It can easily be used for furniture, wall coverings, worktops, flooring… and is easy to handle in creating dies without the vein consistency being impacted. Despite cuts, the vein will always be on display across all sides and edges.
This is why technological quartz is a great alternative to natural marble. This blog offers a wide selection of examples and even a downloadable advice sheet on using it for interiors.
