Research By:

Dylan Beato

Specification Number: C616/ C616M

Manufacturers: Caesarstone, Cambria & Silestone

Common Generic Term: Cryptocrystaline Quartz (Chalcedony)

Primary use

- Sand; which is composed of tiny quartz

pebbles, is the primary ingredient for

manufacturing glass

- Transparent Rock Crystal; used in

oscillators in radios, watches and

pressure gauges

- Quartz are used by the computer industry

because has silicon semi conductors

- Quartz is sold as gem stone for jewelry

- Quartz is another material used on

kitchen countertops

Physical Properties

- Chemical Formula SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)

- Color ranges from colorless to black

- Hardness level is a 7 on Mohr Scale

- Hexagonal crystalized shape

- Tenacity is brittle

- Each quartz is unique & have their own

shape

- Quartz weight (gravity) is 2.6 – 2.7

Acoustical Properties

- The crystal turns into an acoustic lens &

the wave is focused on the center of the

crystal

- Energy trapping is necessary in order to

be able to mount the crystal at the edge

with out excessive damping.

- Energy trapping distorts the planar wave

fronts slightly

Structural Properties

- Quartz is a trigonal crystal, ideal shape

is a hexagonal prism but in nature

crystals are intertwined or distorted

- Well formed crystals typically form in

voids (geode) that forms a sphere with

crystals pointing inward

Installation Methods

- Silicon adhesive is applied to back side of

Quartz

Cost Analysis

- Home Depot/Lowes: $60- $80 per SF

- Quarries: $50- $100 per SF

How is the Material Made?

- Synthetic Quartz called Silicon Dioxide,

can be in an autoclav via hydrothermal

process. It is made in the Earth’s crust

through heat & pressure

- Quartz occurs in granite, sandstone &

limestone

Type of Quartz

- Onyx, Agate, Tiger Eye, Chalcedony & EtC.

Historical Significance

- Crystals and stones have been utilized

for many purposes for 100,000 years

- Oldest legends of crystal power goes

back to ancient civilizations of Atlantis &

Lemnia

- It was believed that these people were of

an advanced race that could harness &

channel the power of crystals

- Early Greeks & Romans indicated that

crystals were worn as talismans &

amulets for health, protection & attract

virtue

What is the Process?

- Small and Medium size quartz crystals

are combined with a thick resin & any

necessary coloring

- The mix is then put into a mold, & air is

removed as heat & pressure

Life Expectancy

- Quartz before being discovered

last for billions of years

- Now being used for flooring,

countertops & etc. still last that

long once being installed

Maintenance Requirements

- Quartz doesn’t need any

maintenance because its non- porous

which means no sealants which is

better for the well- beings of

inhabitants

Biodegradable/ Recyclable

- Caesarstone is the head of

decreasing world’s carbon

footprint

- They reclaimed 42% of quartz and

create a new slab