Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is a major milestone. You’ve spent months planning every detail, from cabinet colors to fixtures, and now you’re ready to invest in a stunning quartz countertop—the centerpiece of your dream space.
But what if the “quartz” you paid for isn’t quartz at all?
Counterfeit or low-quality engineered stone is increasingly common in the market. These fakes may look convincing, but they lack the durability, stain resistance, and longevity of genuine quartz. Falling for one can turn your renovation dream into a costly nightmare of scratches, stains, and disappointment.
Don’t let your investment go to waste. Here’s how to confidently identify authentic quartz and avoid getting scammed.
What Is “Fake Quartz”?
Genuine engineered quartz is made of 90–95% crushed natural quartz crystals, bound with polymer resin. This creates a non-porous, hard, and resilient surface.
Fake quartz often contains less natural quartz, more resin, or cheaper fillers like crushed glass or marble. The result? A softer, more porous surface that’s prone to damage.
7 Ways to Spot Fake Quartz Before You Buy
1. Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing
High-quality quartz is expensive to manufacture. If a supplier offers a price far below reputable brands (e.g., Silestone, Caesarstone, Zenstone), ask why. Cheap quartz usually means corners are being cut on materials and quality.
2. Check the Brand and Supplier
Stick with well-known brands and authorized dealers. Look for a professional showroom, knowledgeable staff, and clear brand documentation or warranty. Be wary of pop-up sellers, online-only stores with no physical address, or vague contractors.
Pro Tip: Ask for brand documentation or warranty info. Authentic manufacturers always stand behind their products.
3. Inspect the Look and Feel
- Consistency: Real quartz has a uniform pattern, with consistent distribution of crystals and pigments. Fakes may look patchy or blotchy.
- Finish: Run your hand over the surface. High-quality quartz feels smooth, cool, and glossy. A plasticky, warm, or dull surface suggests high resin content.
Simple At-Home Tests for Your Quartz Sample
Any reputable supplier will provide a sample. Use these tests:
4. Glass Scratch Test
- What you need: Glass tile or bottle.
- How it works: Quartz (Mohs hardness 7) should scratch glass (Mohs 5.5). Try scratching glass with your sample.
- Result: If it scratches glass, it’s likely authentic. If not, it’s probably a low-quality imitation.
5. Lemon Juice & Oil Test
- What you need: Lemon juice (or vinegar) and cooking oil.
- How it works: Genuine quartz is non-porous and resists staining/etching. Place drops on your sample, wait 10–15 minutes, then wipe clean.
- Result: Real quartz shows no change. Stains or dull spots mean it’s fake.
6. Harpic 10x Power Test
- What you need: Harpic 10x Power (widely available in Malaysia).
- How it works: Drip a small drop of Harpic 10x Power onto your quartz sample and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Result: Genuine quartz is highly resistant to harsh chemicals and should show no reaction. If you notice bubbling, discoloration, or any chemical reaction, the surface is likely not genuine quartz and may contain high resin or other fillers.
7. The Turmeric Stain Test
- What You Need: A piece of turmeric root (or turmeric powder mixed with a little water) and CIF cream foam (widely available in Malaysia).
- How It Works: Turmeric is a strong natural pigment that can stain porous or low-quality surfaces.
- Test: Cut a piece of turmeric and rub it directly onto your quartz sample. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, clean the area with CIF cream foam and a soft cloth.
- Result: Genuine quartz stone should clean up completely, leaving no yellow stain. If the stain remains or is difficult to remove, the surface is likely not genuine quartz and may be more porous or resin-heavy.
Protect Your Investment
Choosing a countertop is a big decision. By being vigilant and informed, you can ensure your investment lasts for decades. Trust reputable brands, question deals that seem too good to be true, and always test a sample.
A beautiful, authentic quartz countertop will serve your home for years—proof that a little due diligence pays off.
Looking for Genuine Quartz Stone?
At Sinno Sdn Bhd, we specialize in premium-quality quartz stone that combines durability, elegance, and authenticity. Whether you're renovating your home, designing a commercial space, or sourcing for a fabrication project — we’ve got the perfect stone for you.
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