Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. This forms a very hard granite-like surface. The appearance depends on how the quartz is ground: coarsely ground quartz produces a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth look.

Pros

• Non-Porous - Because it's non-porous you don't have to worry about any bacteria, germs and other undesirable vermin setting up home on your countertop. It's also much less likely to stain since there are really no "pores" for spills to accumulate in. That doesn't mean you want to leave ketchup on the surface for a week but you'll have less likelihood of any of these issues occurring compared to some natural stones.
  
  
• No Ongoing Maintenance Required- As a result of being non-porous, quartz countertops don't need to be sealed like a natural stone counter does. That means you won't have to clear your counters every one or two years to seal them.
  
  
• Consistency In Color Patterns - This is a matter of taste but quartz countertop color patterns have a more uniform look than some natural stones. When you buy a slab of granite or soapstone (particulary if you buy the slab 'sight unseen' from a sample only) there may be large variations in the color pattern from one end to the other. Some like this, others don't. With quartz counters you're assured of getting a consistent color pattern throughout.
  
  
• No Health Concerns - Many brands of quartz countertops are NSF-certified meaning they're safe and won't harbor harmful bacteria (NSF is a non-governmental, non-profit organization advocating healthy standards for foods, water and associated products). Quartz counters also don't have any radioactivity and pose no potential health threats like those associated with radon in granite countertops.
  
  
• Wide Color Pallette - Since quartz countertops are man-made there are color options you can choose that aren't available in natural materials. If you like the crystalline look that comes with the quartz-based products but also want it in a bright red or deep blue, it's available.
  
  
• Beautiful - Last but certainly not least, quartz countertops are beautiful and can be finished with shiny surface or the muted satin look of a honed finish.

Cons

• Not Immune To Damage - Quartz is a hard material but these countertops are an engineered substance and they aren't immune to chipping. They'll take the everyday normal use but they're not indestructible and can chip or crack if hit hard enough.
  
  
• Not Heat Tolerant - Although it's hard and feels like stone, quartz countertops aren't tolerant to a lot of heat. In other words, don't expect to put that hot pot or pan down on your quartz countertop without the possibility of some damage occuring. You'll need to use trivets and hot pads to protect the surface.
  
  
• Not Scratch Proof - Aside from diamond quartz is the hardest material around. But that doesn't mean you quartz countertop will never scratch under any circumstances. Remember, it's made up of a small percentage of resin material that binds the quartz crystals together. Certain manufacturers will advertise that you can cut right on the surface. You might be able to chop a bit on the surface but any habit of cutting has a good chance of damaging your surface over time.