When it comes to building or renovating a home, choosing the right material for countertops, floors, and wall cladding is a big decision. Among the most popular options are granite and quartz. Both offer durability and beauty, but they serve different needs depending on budget, environment, and usage.
This blog will explore their features, costs, environmental impact, and when to use each—making your construction choices simpler.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock formed from molten magma. It contains minerals like feldspar, quartz, and mica, which give it a distinctive grainy texture and colour variation. It is mined from quarries and cut into slabs for construction.
Where Is Granite Found?
India: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand.
Globally: Brazil, Italy, China, South Africa, Norway.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz used in construction is an engineered stone. It contains 90–95% natural quartz mixed with polymer resins and pigments. The result is a non-porous, uniform surface that is highly customisable and low-maintenance.
Where Is Quartz Produced?
India: Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Globally: USA, Spain, China, Israel (notably Caesarstone).
Applications and Use Cases
| Use Case | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Countertops | Black Galaxy or Absolute Black for traditional Indian cooking | Sleek, stain-resistant tops in modular kitchens |
| Flooring | Jhansi Red and Kashmir White for high footfall areas | Used in bedrooms and lounges for uniform modern appeal |
| Bathroom Surfaces | Suitable with proper sealing | Best for vanities and wet zones due to water resistance |
| Office Desktops | Premium and formal granite finishes | Clean, minimal look preferred in corporate settings |
| Wall Cladding | Outdoor or indoor feature walls | Indoor accent walls in high-end interiors |
Cost Comparison
| Material Type | Indian Price Range (₹/sq ft) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Granite (Domestic) | ₹70 – ₹250 | Economical, widely available in India |
| Granite (Imported) | ₹250 – ₹800 | Brazilian and Italian variants are premium |
| Quartz (Engineered) | ₹150 – ₹400 | Slightly costlier due to resin and manufacturing process |
| Quartz (Imported Brands) | ₹300 – ₹1000+ | Premium designer quartz for luxury projects |
Note: Prices vary based on thickness, finish (polished/honed), and transportation.
Maintenance & Durability
Granite: Requires annual sealing to prevent stains. With proper care, it lasts a lifetime.
Quartz: No sealing needed. However, it is less resistant to direct heat due to resin content.
When to Use Which?
| Scenario | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Traditional Indian kitchen | Granite |
| Modern modular kitchen | Quartz |
| Homes with high heat cooking | Granite |
| Stylish offices and interiors | Quartz |
| Outdoor cladding or temple construction | Granite |
| Designer wet areas (like spa bathrooms) | Quartz |
Environmental Impact
| Aspect | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural, mined from quarries | Engineered using crushed quartz and resins |
| Manufacturing | Low energy required for cutting and polishing | High energy for mixing, pressing, and curing |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable, biodegradable | Limited recyclability due to resin content |
| Carbon Footprint | Lower (local sourcing reduces emissions) | Higher (often imported, resin adds to footprint) |
| Sustainability Score | Moderate to high (if sourced ethically) | Medium (due to synthetic bonding materials) |
👉 If eco-friendliness is your goal, locally sourced granite is the more sustainable option.
Comparison Table: Granite vs Quartz
| Feature | Granite | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | 100% Natural | Man-made (90–95% quartz + resins) |
| Appearance | Unique patterns and colour veins | Consistent and uniform |
| Strength | Very strong, heat-resistant | Strong but less heat-tolerant |
| Maintenance | Needs sealing annually | No sealing required |
| Water Resistance | Good (if sealed) | Excellent (non-porous) |
| Custom Design | Limited to what nature offers | Wide range of colours and textures |
| Price (INR/sq ft) | ₹70–₹800 | ₹150–₹1000+ |
| Environmental Impact | Lower, especially if locally sourced | Higher due to processing and resins |
| Best Use | Kitchens, floors, exteriors | Interiors, vanities, modern kitchens |
| Life Span | 30–50 years | 20–30 years |
IS Codes for Reference
To ensure safety and quality during construction, always refer to the following IS codes:
IS 14223 (Part 1):1995 – Polished building stones – Specification
IS 7779:1975 – Specification for finished granite building stones
IS 1130:1969 – Specification for marble (used for stone surface standards)
IS 14698:1999 – Maintenance guidelines for stone surfaces
Conclusion🎯
Both granite and quartz have their strengths and ideal applications. If you’re looking for a natural, timeless, and heat-resistant material, go for granite—especially if you’re in a traditional Indian household. If your priority is modern design, minimal maintenance, and uniformity, quartz is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is more durable—granite or quartz?
Both are highly durable, but granite is slightly more resistant to heat and scratches, making it ideal for traditional Indian kitchens with heavy cooking. Quartz is strong too, but it may warp if exposed to direct high heat for long durations.
Q2. Is granite cheaper than quartz in India?
Yes, locally sourced granite is often more affordable than quartz. Prices for Indian granite start around ₹70 per sq ft, whereas quartz starts from ₹150 per sq ft and can go much higher depending on the brand and design.
Q3. Does quartz require sealing like granite?
No. Quartz is non-porous and doesn’t require sealing. Granite, being natural and porous, needs to be sealed annually to prevent stains and bacterial growth.
Q4. Which is more eco-friendly—granite or quartz?
Granite has a lower environmental impact, especially if sourced locally, as it doesn’t involve synthetic resins. Quartz, being engineered, uses polymers and requires more energy during manufacturing.
Q5. Can I use granite or quartz in outdoor spaces?
Granite is better suited for outdoor applications like garden flooring, stairs, or exterior wall cladding because it can withstand weather changes. Quartz is not recommended for outdoor use as UV rays may cause fading or discoloration.
Q6. Which one is better for bathroom vanities?
Quartz is better for bathroom vanities due to its water resistance and seamless finish. It resists mould, mildew, and is easy to clean, making it perfect for wet zones.
Q7. Are there IS codes for checking granite or quartz quality?
Yes, refer to IS 7779:1975 for granite stones, and IS 14223 (Part 1):1995 for polished building stones. Although quartz does not have a dedicated IS code yet, you may follow general stone guidelines under IS 14698:1999 for maintenance.
Q8. Which material is easier to customise for modern homes?
Quartz offers better design customisation due to its manufacturing process. You can choose from a wide range of colours and patterns, unlike granite which depends on natural availability.