This picture is of an outside fire pit. This was originally made out of quartz but after a while this cracked because of the heat. Worktop repair.com replaced this with a granite top which was a far superior material as this material takes a lot more heat than quartz. The granite top was made in one piece and did not need expansion joints as the black granite is one of the hardest granites on the market today. If you are considering an outside barbecue or a fire pit you must pick granite this will last a lifetime. The top of the fire pit was made in African black which is a natural granite. Our company also replaced the barbecue area where the pizza oven was sat and the gas burners for the barbecue. If you are requiring an outside area in durable material go for granite not quartz. Also don't forget granite is a lot better for different weather durability because it's outside, and in summer it gets hot and in winter in this country gets icy cold granite can deal with these changes. Don't forget it doesn't need any maintenance.