Can Quartz Countertops Etch?

Frederick M Hueston  StoneForensics.com

When it comes to kitchen countertops, one of the top concerns for homeowners is durability, especially against things like stains, scratches, and etching. If you’ve heard the term “etching” before, you probably associate it with natural stone surfaces like marble or limestone. But what about quartz? Can quartz countertops etch?

The short answer is no—most quartz countertops don’t etch. But like many things in life, the full picture is a bit more nuanced, and it’s worth digging into the details to understand why.

Why Most Quartz Countertops Don’t Etch

Let’s start with what quartz countertops are made of. Unlike marble or granite, which are natural stones, quartz countertops are actually engineered stone. They’re composed of about 90-95% quartz (one of the hardest minerals found in nature), mixed with resins, pigments, and other materials. Because quartz itself is a non-porous, highly durable material, it’s resistant to many of the issues that plague other stone surfaces, including etching.

Etching happens when acids react with the minerals in a stone, causing a dull spot or “etch mark” to appear. For example, spilling lemon juice or vinegar on marble can result in an unsightly mark because the acid reacts with the calcium in the stone. But since quartz doesn’t contain calcium, acids won’t react with it in the same way, meaning etching shouldn’t be a concern for most quartz surfaces.

The Exception: Calcium-Based Additives

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Not all quartz countertops are created equal. While most quartz countertops are highly resistant to etching, there are some exceptions. If the quartz surface has additives that contain calcium-based minerals—often added for aesthetic reasons or to mimic the look of natural stones—those areas can be susceptible to etching.

For example, a quartz countertop designed to resemble marble might include some calcium-based minerals in the mix to achieve that marble-like appearance. In this case, acids like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar could react with the calcium components, leaving behind dull spots. This is pretty rare, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if your quartz countertop has a natural stone-like appearance.

How to Avoid Etching on Quartz

The good news is that even if your quartz countertop contains calcium-based additives, etching is still relatively easy to avoid. Just keep acidic substances—like citrus, vinegar, wine, or harsh cleaning agents—away from the surface, or wipe them up quickly if spills occur.

For general maintenance, you don’t need any special cleaners. A mild soap and water solution is usually more than enough to keep your quartz countertops looking their best. Avoid abrasive pads or strong chemicals, which could potentially damage the resin binders in the countertop.

So, can quartz countertops etch? In most cases, the answer is no, thanks to the durability of quartz itself. However, if your quartz countertop contains calcium-based additives, there’s a slight chance that acids could cause etching in those specific areas. The key is knowing what’s in your countertop and taking care of it accordingly. If you stick to basic maintenance and avoid leaving acidic substances on the surface, your quartz countertops should stay beautiful and etch-free for years to come.