Yes: quartz is rated 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, harder than granite (6), and resists everyday scratches from knives, cutlery, pans and crockery. It isn’t scratch-proof, though: materials harder than quartz, or enough force and abrasion, can still mark the surface, and a cutting board is still the best habit.
Why quartz resists scratches so well
Quartz worktops are around 93% crushed natural quartz, one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals, bound with resin under extreme pressure. That density and hardness is what gives quartz its scratch resistance: significantly better than laminate, solid wood, or Corian (solid surface), and slightly better than granite. See our guide to how quartz worktop is made.
What can scratch a quartz worktop
- Materials harder than quartz: a small number of substances (such as diamond, sapphire or certain ceramics) are harder than quartz and could theoretically scratch it, though these rarely come into contact with a kitchen worktop in normal use.
- Dragging heavy, abrasive items: sliding a cast-iron pan, unglazed ceramic dish, or heavy abrasive object across the surface repeatedly can cause fine surface marks over time.
- Grit or debris underneath an object: sliding a plate or pan over trapped grit or sand can cause a scratch, even though the quartz itself resists the material being dragged.
Does a knife scratch quartz?
In normal use, no: quartz is harder than steel kitchen knives, so cutting directly on the surface won’t scratch the quartz. However, it will dull your knife blade quickly, which is the real reason to use a chopping board rather than the worktop’s durability being at risk.
How to protect the finish
- Use a chopping board for all food preparation.
- Lift rather than slide heavy pans, dishes and small appliances.
- Wipe away any grit or debris before placing items on the surface.
- See our full care and maintenance guide for everyday best practice.
Can a scratched quartz worktop be repaired?
Light surface scratches can often be professionally polished out. See our guide on repairing chips and scratches for what’s possible and what isn’t.
Frequently asked questions
Is quartz more scratch resistant than granite?
Yes, slightly: quartz rates 7 on the Mohs scale versus granite’s 6, though both perform very well against everyday scratching.
Can I cut directly on a quartz worktop?
You can without damaging the quartz, but it will dull your knife blade. A chopping board is recommended to protect your knives, not the worktop.
Do quartz worktops scratch over time?
With normal use and basic precautions (a chopping board, lifting rather than dragging heavy items), quartz worktops resist visible scratching for many years.
Explore more
Read about heat resistance and water resistance, or browse the full range of 47 designs. Questions? Contact us.