Quartz Countertops are very popular with commercial application as control over consistency of color and quality are much easier with man made surfaces. This is also popular with more modern residential kitchens. Quartz now also is made to mimic some of the most beautiful marbles increasing interest from the residential projects.
Quartz is very close to granite as far as durability and performance in the kitchen but it is not recommended to have contact with hot surfaces and is not recommended for outside applications in direct sunlight.