Silica is in the Earth’s crust, and when it is disturbed, it creates silica dust. It’s a material that is found in a range of stones used in construction and building. So, when these stones containing crystalline silica are sanded, polished, and cut, silica dust forms and poses serious health risks to those exposed to it.
What is Traditional Quartz?
Traditional mineral quartz is composed of approximately 90-95% ground natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. This engineered stone is manufactured through a process that combines these materials under intense pressure and heat, resulting in a non-porous surface that rivals natural stone in both beauty and functionality.
The high silica content contributes to its remarkable hardness and durability, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and everyday wear and tear. Traditional quartz has set the benchmark for engineered stone surfaces, offering a perfect balance of performance and aesthetics.
What is low-silica quartz?
Low-silica, or silica-free, worktops are sustainable worktop solutions that are made up of bio-based resin, recycled glass, and less than 5% silica. A worktop with a very small percentage of silica means that it’s more eco-friendly and less of a health risk.
At Universal Quartz, we’re pleased to have 0 silica quartz as part of our extensive quartz collection. Our expert manufacturers and suppliers ensure that sustainability and safe work zones are prioritised, delivering bespoke products while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
How is it different from traditional quartz?
Traditional stone materials such as quartz and granite contain crystalline silica. If you’re wondering how much silica is in quartz, quartz typically has 90% and granite has 40-50%. Working around materials that contain high levels of silica can cause serious health conditions such as silicosis and lung disease. This is a result of inhaling silica dust throughout the manufacturing process.
On the other hand, worktops with 0 silica don’t have this risk and are a contributing factor to why low-silica quartz is gaining popularity!
What are the Benefits of Silica Quartz?
There are many benefits to low or zero silica quartz. The main one being that it offers all the advantages of classic quartz worktops plus more. Less silica in the product means lower levels of silica dust, which means it’s more environmentally friendly and minimises air pollution during the production phase.
What’s more, if silica isn’t used, manufacturers can choose more sustainable options for the quartz mixture, such as resin-based and recycled materials. Silica dust is a big health concern in the manufacturing of traditional quartz, being linked to silicosis, a serious lung disease. This makes low-silica quartz safer for those involved in producing this material.
While it does have different properties from classic silica quartz, zero-silica worktops are highly durable and are just as stain, scratch- and heat-resistant as regular quartz. So you can use them with confidence in your kitchen. They’ll retain their beauty for many years to come and can be crafted in a range of colours and styles to suit your home. Zero-silica quartz is also non-porous. So it makes for a low-maintenance and hygienic solution for counters and kitchen surfaces.
Are Low-Silica Quartz Worktops a Good Investment?
Choosing the right worktop for your needs requires research and thought – it’s an investment you’ll use daily, so it needs to work with your style, your budget, and your lifestyle. The percentage of crystalline silica can make quartz worktops more or less expensive, with those with less typically being more affordable than those with higher levels. But as we’ve explored, there are a host of other benefits to consider, too. If you’re looking for a beautiful worktop that’s hardwearing and easy to maintain. While also being better for the planet, low-silica options may be perfect for you.
Conclusion
The introduction of silica printed surfaces represents an exciting evolution in the world of engineered stone. While traditional quartz countertops continue to offer excellent durability, low maintenance, and a wide range of design options, silica printed surfaces push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of aesthetics and customization.
For homeowners and designers seeking the look of rare, exotic stones without the associated cost and maintenance. Silica printed surfaces offer an attractive alternative. They also present potential benefits in terms of design flexibility and personalization.
At Universal Quartz, we carry both traditional quartz countertops and innovative silica printed surfaces in our warehouse. We invite you to visit us to see the difference in person. Our knowledgeable team would be delighted to help you explore your options and find the perfect surface for your home or commercial space. Whether you choose traditional quartz or opt for cutting-edge silica printed surfaces. We are here to assist you in making the best choice for your design needs.
