I have to disagree with Leroy H. I am assuming you are looking at a Silestone or Zodiac type of quartz. Quartz is slightly harder than granite. Quartz is extremely more durable, more stable, and does not absorb stains like granite. Also granite will need to be continually sealed to prevent even stains from water. Hope this helps.
Granite is a much harder surface then quartz and much less money as well and comes in more variety of colors.
my friend says that: granite stains, chips, scratches, and is ruined easily. (My friend works manufacturing countertops). The 1 mm thick glaze that they put on it is the stuff that resists stains, scratches, etc. the glaze wears off with use in about a year after being put on. It's expensive, and overrated, but it sure looks nice. He also told me (i called him) that quartz does chip, scratch, and sometimes even cracks, but it doesn't happen as easily as it does with unprotected granite. That's why they made laminite countertops. they're less expensive, can look however you want them to, and they're somewhat reliable.
I prefer quartz. You can clean it with anything and you don't have to worry if you put something greasy on it like you do with granite. I don't have either but my friend who lives in a million plus house has both and says it's quartz from now on. Try Lowes or Home Depot.
Despite what's been said above, quartz surfaces are in fact harder and much less porous that natural granite So they are much less susceptible to chipping and staining than granite. They also don't require periodic sealant applications like granite does. But despite those enhanced qualities, I think quartz surfaces LOOK SIMPLY AWFULl! Since it's a man-made composite of quartz particles and resins, they're far too consistent in color and particle size. There's no veining, variety, drama or break in the simplex 'noise' pattern - just cold monotony. To me at least, it looks fake ... because it is! Sorry - I don't have a recommendation for where to buy near you, but I can say that's it more important to find an installer who does great work first - he can tell you where to shop and compare.
