Low Silica & Silica-Free Quartz Worktops
Low silica quartz and silica-free surfaces have become one of the most talked-about choices in the worktop world, and it’s easy to see why. They offer the same durability, easy-care finish and huge range of colours you’d expect from quartz, with a reduced or eliminated crystalline silica content. Below you’ll find our full selection of low silica and silica-free quartz worktops, all part of our wider CRL Quartz Collection, along with a plain-English explanation of what the terms actually mean. For a broader look at quartz as a worktop material, see our quartz worktops guide.
What is silica?
Silica is a natural mineral found in sand, rock and clay, and it’s one of the main ingredients in standard quartz worktops. Problems only arise during fabrication, when cutting, grinding or polishing the stone creates a fine dust. If that dust isn’t properly controlled, it can be breathed in and cause harm over time – which is why fabricators take dust extraction and wet-cutting seriously, and why the industry has been developing lower-silica alternatives.
Once your worktop is fitted, in its finished, solid form it doesn’t pose this risk – the concern is specifically about airborne dust generated during manufacturing and cutting, not about living with the worktop day to day.
Low Silica Quartz
Our low silica quartz worktops contain less than 30% crystalline silica – around a third of what’s found in standard quartz – while still delivering the same scratch, heat and stain resistance, non-porous surface and huge choice of colours and finishes. It’s a straightforward swap for anyone who wants a quartz worktop but would prefer a lower-silica option, with no compromise on look or performance.
Silica-Free Surfaces
Silica-free surfaces go a step further, made from a blend of minerals and recycled glass instead of crystalline silica. They’re one of the newest additions to the CRL Quartz range, and the recycled glass content often gives these surfaces a subtle sparkle you won’t find in standard quartz. They carry the same durability and low-maintenance benefits as the rest of our quartz range.
Common Questions
What is low silica quartz?
Low silica quartz worktops are made using the same engineered stone manufacturing process as standard quartz, but with the crystalline silica content reduced to below 30%. This lowers the health risks associated with silica dust during fabrication, while keeping the same appearance, durability and performance as a standard quartz worktop.
What are silica-free surfaces?
Silica-free worktops are made without crystalline silica, using a blend of minerals and recycled glass instead. They offer the same scratch, heat and stain resistance as standard quartz, along with a distinctive look from the recycled glass content, and represent the newest step in the move towards lower-silica surfaces. For more on these and other worktop questions, see our full FAQs page.
Ready to see them in person?
Request free samples of any of our low silica or silica-free colours, or get in touch for a free, no-obligation worktop quote – happy to talk through which option is right for your kitchen.