The top three quartz countertops on the market are Caesarstone, Cambria and Silestone. Caesarstone was the original producer of quartz, however they failed to patent the process and therefore, Cambria and Silestone were able to duplicate their production methods, including the equipment that is used, which is Breton.
Breton is a privately-held Italian company that was established in 1963. Breton produces machines and plants for metalworking and engineered stone. Bretonstone technology, also known as vibrocompression under vacuum, is used by Caesarstone, Cambria and Silestone. This state-of-the-art technology ensures that the quartz that is produced is of the greatest standard, and each slab contains 93% quartz and 7% polymers, resins and fillers.
Advantages of these quartz slabs are their durability, non-porous nature, versatility, flexibility and low-maintenance.
Durable: Quartz is rated the 4th hardest mineral on the Mohs Harness Scale, with Diamond being rated number 1.
Non-porous: This means if you or someone in your family is allergic to certain foods or ingredients, you are safe to prepare meals on quartz as it is non-porous, and you do not have to worry about cross-contamination. Quartz never needs to be sealed, unlike granite or marble. Caesarstone quartz, if manufactured in Israel, is also Kosher-certified.
Versatile: The versatile nature of Caesarstone slabs allow fabricators to bend the material into shapes, creating items that far exceed countertops alone. Fabricators have made chairs, fireplaces, columns, sinks, tables, etc. out of this versatile material.
Flexible: Just as stated above, fabricators can shape Caesarstone into curves. The colors must be consistent with no large flecks or mirror pieces in them, or they will break off when trying to bend them into forms. This process allows architects and fabricators the freedom to create one-of-a-kind works of art.
Low-maintenance: Quartz’s non-porous nature does not require sealing. Mold and mildew are not able to penetrate the surface. Basic soap and water are all that are needed to clean the surface.
Cambria quartz slabs are 100% manufactured in the United States. Caesarstone quartz slabs are manufactured in Israel and the United States. Silestone quartz slabs are manufactured by Cosentino, which operates in Spain.