Comment by WillPostForFood
2 years ago
It is a little more mixed than that. Granite is generally cheaper and has better heat resistance. Granite is porous, so it stains and needs sealing every year or two. Quartz/artificial takes less maintenance, is a little stronger, so it is more scratch resistant.
A polished granite countertop has not pores. Most artificial stones use epoxy, scratches easily an easier to break.
Granite is porous and polished granite is porous. It has to be sealed to prevent absorption and staining. It has to be resealed periodically (annually or semi-annually) to maintain the protection.