Stone countertops can be described according to any number of unique characteristics. Hardness and density are the two characteristics our installers prefer to highlight. Both impact countertop longevity. If you need to choose, is one more important than the other? Not necessarily.
Let us talk about hardness and density, and what they mean to stone countertop longevity. As you read, bear in mind that Bedrock Quartz is a leader in stone countertops throughout Utah. We operate several showrooms where you can come and look at slabs and example installations in-person.
A Definition of Hardness
Hardness means different things depending on the industry you’re talking about. In our industry, it is a measurement of a material’s ability to resist scratches and abrasion. Scientifically, it’s measured based on the Mohs Hardness Scale, a 10-point scale with the softest materials at 1 and the hardest at 10.
Soapstone is very soft. Its hardness measures in the range of 2.5-3. It is easily scratched but easily repaired as well. Here are the typical hardness ratings for the four materials we carry:
- Granite (6-7)
- Marble (3-4)
- Quartz and quartzite (about 7)
It’s important to know that while quartzite is natural stone, quartz is a manufactured material made by combining quartz crystals with resins and dyes. Both are among the hardest materials for stone countertops.
A Definition of Density
Density’s definition is pretty consistent across every industry. It is a measurement of how tightly packed a material’s molecules are. A higher density translates into more material packed into the space. It also generally translates into more mass per volume.
Denser stones tend to be more durable because there is more mass to absorb impact force, heat, and weight. Granite is among the densest stones used for kitchen countertops. It resists damage exceptionally well. Quartz is slightly less dense but is as durable as granite.
What It All Means to Longevity
So many of our customers invest in stone countertops because they want a material that will last. That brings us to the question of hardness, density, and longevity. So let’s put it all together.
- Hardness – Hardness primarily affects how well a surface holds up to scratches and abrasions. The harder the surface, the better it will be at retaining its polish and aesthetically pure surface.
- Density – Density primarily impacts how well a countertop surface will resist fractures, cracks, chips, and other structural damage.
Neither is more important than the other. But the two serve different purposes from a durability perspective. If you’re most concerned about surface wear, prefer hardness over density. But if you feel that long-term structural integrity is more important, focus on density.
The good news is that two materials offer the best of both: granite and quartzite. They tend to be the most durable in modern kitchens. The best choice for busy families that spend a lot of time in the kitchen is quartz.
Look at Some Slabs In-Person
If you still don’t feel like you have a handle on hardness and density, why not visit a Bedrock Quartz showroom and look at some slabs in person? One of our experienced team members can better explain hardness and density in relation to what you want to accomplish in your kitchen.
The one thing we can say for sure is that you are likely to find a good combination of hardness and density in the four materials we specialize in. But if you’re looking at laminates, soapstone, or wood, hardness and density are very different from a longevity standpoint.
