05/22/2026
Let’s talk silica.
It’s one of the most talked about topics in the stone industry right now, and understandably, homeowners have questions. The conversation online often focuses heavily on “quartz” or engineered stone, but what many people don’t realize is that silica is also naturally present in many natural stones as well.
The concern comes from respirable crystalline silica created during fabrication processes like cutting, grinding, and polishing, not from the finished countertop once it’s installed in your home.
As an industry, education and prevention are our greatest tools. That’s why we’ve proactively transitioned our EleQuence line toward more conscious engineered stone options with greatly reduced silica content. But beyond materials alone, proper fabrication practices, air testing, wet cutting methods, housekeeping procedures, PPE, and silica exposure control plans are all critical parts of creating safer work environments.
We were incredibly fortunate to partner with the Natural Stone Institute last month to help educate on silica safety and evolving OSHA requirements. Conversations like these are important because safety standards should continue evolving alongside our industry.
This video only scratches the surface, so tell us, what topics would you like us to dive deeper into next?
