A Look Back: The History of Quartz and Granite Countertops
- Mario Fuentes
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
From Stone Quarries to Dream Kitchens: How Granite and Quartz Became Countertop Kings
When it comes to upgrading your kitchen or bathroom, choosing the right countertop material is key. Two of the most popular surfaces today—granite and quartz—are loved for their durability, beauty, and lasting value. But did you know their stories are completely different?
Let’s take a walk through time and discover how these stunning surfaces became household staples.
Granite: From Ancient Wonders to Modern Homes
Granite has a legacy that spans continents and centuries. This igneous rock, formed from cooled magma beneath the Earth's surface, is one of the hardest and most durable natural materials known to man. Ancient civilizations quickly realized its value—not just for its beauty, but for its strength.
The Egyptians used granite to build the Pyramids of Giza, most notably in the King’s Chamber and surrounding sarcophagi. In India, entire temples like the 12th-century Brihadeeswarar Temple were carved out of single blocks of granite. The Romans used granite columns in structures that still stand today. It was clear even then—granite could stand the test of time.
For centuries, granite was mostly reserved for large public structures due to the difficulty of quarrying and cutting it. That changed with the Industrial Revolution and the advent of diamond-tipped saws and modern polishing tools in the 20th century. Suddenly, it became possible—and affordable—to bring this luxury material into homes.
In the 1970s and '80s, granite began appearing in custom-built luxury kitchens, often imported from Italy, Brazil, or India. Back then, it was a status symbol, representing sophistication and long-lasting investment.
By the 1990s and 2000s, improved supply chains and technology allowed for more varieties, colors, and finishes of granite to enter the market, driving costs down and accessibility up. Homeowners loved it for its:
Natural beauty and unique veining
High resistance to heat and scratches
Longevity with proper care
Ability to match traditional or modern styles
Granite's natural variations mean no two countertops are ever the same. It brings a piece of the Earth’s raw beauty into your kitchen or bathroom, giving it a unique, organic feel that many find unmatched.
Today, granite remains one of the most sought-after materials for countertops, not just for its performance, but for its story—a blend of ancient heritage and modern craftsmanship.
Quartz Countertops: Engineered for Perfection
While granite is a gift from nature, quartz countertops are a triumph of human innovation. Though made from one of the Earth’s most abundant minerals—natural quartz—these countertops are engineered surfaces, offering a level of control, consistency, and convenience that natural stone can’t always provide.
Quartz countertops were first created in the 1960s in Italy by a company called Breton S.p.A., which developed and patented the Bretonstone® process. This revolutionary method combined crushed natural quartz (around 90–95%) with polymer resins and pigments, then pressed the mixture under high heat and pressure to create a dense, non-porous slab.
Since then, manufacturers around the world have licensed this technology to create premium quartz surfaces. Brands like Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and MSI have brought quartz into the global spotlight, offering hundreds of colors, patterns, and finishes.
Quartz countertops began gaining serious popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially as homeowners started demanding low-maintenance surfaces that still looked high-end.
Here’s why quartz became a household favorite:
Non-porous: Quartz doesn't absorb liquids, making it highly resistant to stains from wine, oil, coffee, and more.
No sealing required: Unlike granite or marble, quartz never needs to be sealed.
Scratch & impact-resistant: The engineered surface is hard and durable—ideal for busy kitchens.
Wide variety of colors: Manufacturers can control the color and pattern, from soft neutrals to bold marbles and concrete looks.
Bacteria-resistant: Its non-porous surface makes it hygienic and easy to clean.
Quartz allows homeowners to customize their design to match any style—classic, contemporary, rustic, or ultra-modern. Plus, since it's engineered, it can mimic other natural stones like marble and granite with fewer maintenance headaches.
Today, quartz is often the first choice for homeowners who want the elegance of stone but with greater control, convenience, and reliability.
Granite vs. Quartz: Which One is Right for You?
Feature | Granite | Quartz |
Looks | One-of-a-kind natural stone | Consistent or custom patterns |
Maintenance | Requires sealing every 1–2 years | No sealing required |
Durability | Heat & scratch-resistant | Scratch & stain-resistant |
Design Variety | Limited to what nature creates | Vast colors and textures available |
Eco-Friendliness | 100% natural (but quarry-intensive) | Engineered with recycled materials |
Final Thoughts
Granite and quartz countertops may come from very different origins—one crafted by the forces of the Earth over millions of years, the other engineered by human ingenuity—but they both share one thing: lasting value and beauty.
Granite offers timeless elegance with one-of-a-kind patterns that connect your home to the raw power of nature. It’s perfect for those who want something truly unique, rich with natural character, and capable of standing the test of time—just like the monuments it once helped build.
Quartz, on the other hand, provides sleek, customizable style with modern convenience. It’s ideal for homeowners looking for a cleaner, low-maintenance solution that doesn't sacrifice visual appeal. Whether you're after the look of marble, concrete, or something in between, quartz gives you the flexibility to create the exact design you envision.
Still Unsure? Let Us Help.
Choosing between quartz and granite isn’t just about looks—it’s about lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals for your space. At Mario’s Granite, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, contractors, and designers make the right choice for their kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
We’ll walk you through:
Viewing real slabs in person or through our supplier catalogs
Explaining the pros and cons based on your needs
Custom fabrication and professional installation
Care and maintenance tips for keeping your surface like new
Ready to Upgrade Your Space?
Let’s turn your vision into a reality. Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, we’re here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and beautiful.
Mario’s Granite📍 Serving the Greater Seattle Area
📱 (253) 229-4587
💬 Call, email, or stop by for a free estimate or consultation today!
This article was made with the help of AI
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