The performance of countertop materials is determined by core parameters, and the following are key indicators that must be considered when purchasing, which directly affect the user experience and lifespan:
1. Hardness (Mohs hardness)
Quartz stone: Grade 6-7, can resist cutting tools and metal scratches (except for diamond cutting tools), and does not require deliberate avoidance of scratches during daily use;
Rock slab: Grade 7-8, can directly cut ingredients with a knife (long-term operation is not recommended to avoid damaging the knife), with better scratch resistance.
Testing method: Use a key or coin to scratch the surface, and high-quality products should have no obvious scratches.
2. Pollution resistance (permeability level)
Quartz stone: First grade stain resistant (resin sealed pores), unable to penetrate daily stains such as soy sauce, vinegar, red wine, etc., can be cleaned by wiping;
Rock slab: zero level pollution resistance (no pore structure), strong acid and alkali (such as hydrochloric acid, bleach) have no trace after short-term contact, and there is no residue after cleaning.
Testing method: Drop soy sauce and ink onto the surface, let it stand for 24 hours, and wipe it. If there is no staining, it is considered qualified.
3. Heat resistance (high temperature resistance)
Quartz stone: heat-resistant temperature of 200-300 ℃, long-term contact with hot pots (more than 30 minutes) can easily cause resin aging, surface yellowing, and cracking, requiring insulation pads;
Rock board: heat-resistant temperature of 1200 ℃+, can be directly placed on freshly cooked hot pots and baking pans, without the risk of deformation and cracking.
Testing method: Place the surface in an 80 ℃ hot water cup or a 100 ℃ hot pot for 5 minutes. If there are no bulges or discoloration, it is considered qualified.
4. Density (g/cm ³)
Quartz stone: 2.6-2.7g/cm ³, the higher the density, the denser the structure, and the better the resistance to pollution and impact;
Rock slab: 2.7-2.8g/cm ³, slightly higher density than quartz, with more prominent zero porosity characteristics.
5. Environmental friendliness (formaldehyde emissions)
Quartz stone: High quality products with formaldehyde emission ≤ 0.1mg/m ³ (compliant with national standard E0 level) should avoid low-priced and inferior products (resin containing formaldehyde);
Rock board: zero formaldehyde emission (no resin, no chemical adhesive), higher environmental protection level, suitable for sensitive populations (elderly, children).