Granite is very durable, 100% natural product. It is made up of many different elements such as quartz (the semi translucent parts that allow one to look deep into the stone), feldspar, mica (the shiny sparkles or blackish inclusions) and other minerals. Granite can have varying densities within a single slab. On the other hand quartz is deemed five times stronger than granite. With a make-up of 93% natural quartz chips and 7% resins, binder and pigments it makes it a stronger slab. Quartz is scratch, heat and stain resistant, but not scratch, heat and stain proof. Quartz is a surface emulating a modern and clean design with a color achievement and purity that mother nature rarely achieves. HansStone quartz is made in North America.