Orthoquartzite is a very pure quartz sandstone composed of usually well-rounded quartz grains cemented by silica. Orthoquartzite is often 99% SiO2 with only very minor amounts of iron oxide and trace resistant minerals such as zircon, rutile and magnetite. Although few fossils are normally present, the original texture and sedimentary structures are preserved.

The term is also traditionally used for quartz-cemented quartz arenites, and both usages are found in the literature. The typical distinction between the two (since each is a gradation into the other) is a metamorphic quartzite is so highly cemented, diagenetically altered, and metamorphosized so that it will fracture and break across grain boundaries, not around them.

Quartzite is very resistant to chemical weathering and often forms ridges and resistant hilltops. The nearly pure silica content of the rock provides little for soil, therefore, the quartzite ridges are often bare or covered only with a very thin layer of soil and (if any) little vegetation.

Preventing Damage

Heat Damage
Solid surfaces withstands heat better than ordinary surface materials. However, all solid surface products will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Excess heat may result in scorching, cracking, or seam separation. We offer the following suggestions to avoid heat related issues:

• Hot pots should never be placed directly on a countertop. Instead, place hot pots on an unused burner or on a solid trivet with rubber feet.
• Portable appliances should be used with caution. This includes electric frying pans, deep fat fryers, portable woks, crock pots and the like. Such appliances should only be used on solid trivets with rubber feet. Items such as toasters and coffee pots generally do not generate enough heat to cause problems, but caution should be exercised. While portable appliances on rubber feet may seem harmless, such appliances can radiate an enormous amount of heat down onto the surface of the countertop. Place such items on a solid trivet with rubber feet.
• Heat damage next to cook tops and ranges is possible, most often seen as cracks in corners or near the largest burners. Vent hoods or downdraft fans should be used while cooking as the constant air flow will help moderate hot spots. Oversized pots that cantilever past the edge of the range or cook top can also radiate excessive heat down into the countertop and should be avoided whenever possible.
• Pots should not be allowed in close proximity to a back splash and high output burners should be used sparingly. Once a pan has reached the proper cooking temperature the heat setting should be reduced to prevent overheating.

Cleaning

• Stains & Dirt
  • Use soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaning product, rinse and towel dry.
• Water Spots
  • Wipe surface with a damp soft towel and wipe dry.
• Disinfecting
  • Occasionally wipe surface with a diluted 1:1 ratio or water and household bleach.
• Difficult Stains
  • Spray stain with a household cleaner and wait for 30 seconds. Wipe surface with a damp soft towel and wipe dry. If stain persists, repeat process and if necessary refer to the directions for removing cuts & scratches.

Removing Cuts and Scratches
Solid surfaces are completely renewable. You can remove minor cuts and scratches using the included Micro-Mesh finishing pads and following the instructions below:
For extensive or difficult repairs, or routine professional refurbishing, we suggest you contact SCI – Surface Center.

When used properly Micro-Mesh finishing pads will provide you with the best finish imaginable. No special tools are required and you will be able to achieve a matte to a high gloss finish without the use of water or buffing compounds making them perfect for minor repairs. First, test any repairs in an inconspicuous area.

• Assess the severity of the scratch and begin with the finest grit finishing pad needed to remove the scratch.
• Sand the scratch in a straight line, periodically switching direction by 90 degrees until the scratch is removed. If the pad you selected takes too long, try the next rougher grit finishing pad. To reduce dust during sanding, mist the surface with water and periodically rinse the finishing pad to remove residue.
• Once the scratch is removed, clean the area with water and dry with a clean, soft towel.
• Select the next lighter finishing grid pad and repeat the process.
• Rub over a larger area to blend the repair area and avoid any low spots.
• Continue the process using finer grit finishing pads and clean well between each step until the desired level of gloss is achieved.
• Rinse out all pads and air dry before putting them away. Micro-Mesh pads are reusable!