A New Approach To An Old Product
Over the past 20 years, the popularity of stone countertops has been on the rise. Granite, Soapstone, Marble and even Concrete countertops have risen to popularity levels only previously reserved for laminate. Boasting the best qualities of granite and laminate, quartz has become a wildly popular new option in stone countertop material selection.
Quartz slabs are comprised of 93% pure quartz mined from the earth. The remaining 7% is comprised of a mixture of resins, binders and dyes that give the slab it’s color and hold the crushed quartz together. Because it is formed in a vacuum sealed press, the quartz slabs are 100% non-porous. Since quartz slabs are non-porous, they never require a sealer and will not stain or absorb any spilled liquids. Quartz countertops will not harbor or promote the growth of any fungus or bacteria. Another benefit of being formed in a vacuum press is the absence of any voids or fissures in the stone. This eliminates any weak points resulting in an incredibly durable and resilient slab. Because of it’s incredible resistance to scratching, breakage and heat, Klondike quartz is able to extend a lifetime limited warranty on it’s quartz slabs.
Product Comparisons
| Klondike Quartz | Granite | Laminate | Solid Surface | |
| Antibacterial, anti-mold, anti-mildew | ● | |||
| Heat Resistant | ● | ● | ||
| Maintenance Free | ● | |||
| Non-Porous, Non-absorbent | ● | ● | ||
| Resistant to household cleaners | ● | ● | ||
| Scratch Resistant | ● | ● | ||
| Stain Resistant | ● | ● | ||
| Strength & Durability | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Lifetime Product Warranty | ● |
ANSI/ASTM Testing Results
| Test | Result | Test Standard | Comments |
| Stain Resistance (1) | Pass | ASTM C1378 | Staining agents included waterproof ink, carbon lamp black, methylene blue solution, etc. |
| Stain Resistance (2) | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 | 16 hour exposure test to black crayon, shoe polish, blue washable ink, gentian violet solution, beet juice, grape juice, lipstick, hair dye, mercurochrome, wet tea bag. |
| Clean ability | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 | Class A rating for clean ability |
| Resists Fungi and Bacteria | Pass | ASTM G21 | Rated for no trace of growth |
| Resists Chemicals | No Effect | ASTM C650 | 24 hour exposure test to solutions of acetic acid, ammonium chloride, citric acid, lactic acid, etc. |
| Chemical Resistance | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 | 16 hour exposure to solutions of lye, ammonia, pine oil, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, ethyl alcohol, citric acid, etc. |
| Abrasion Resistance | Pass | ASTM C1353 | Highly scratch resistant quartz minerals |
| Skillet Drop Test | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 4.2.1 | Multiple drops of 4.5lb cast iron skillet with no signs of cracks or fractures |
| Knife Drop Test | Pass | ANSI Z 124.6 4.2.2 | Multiple drops of steel knife, tip down from 24" with no signs of cracks or factures |
| Heated Pan Test | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 5.6 | Aluminum disk heated to 365*F placed on surface for 10 minutes, 3 cycles, allowed to cool. No signs of defects. |
| Cigarette Burn Test | Pass | ANSI Z124.6 5.4 | 2 minute exposure to 3 lit cigarettes. Areas wiped clean with cheesecloth to the original finish. No impairment. |