Karen, what are the black specks? I think this is an Intermediate quartzite, but it does have some crystals. It also absorbs up to the waterline, but dries out quickly. I used different edges of the stone to scratch glass, and it passed every time. No etching from lemon juice or vinegar. Bathroom stain test. Left to dry overnight. Clockwise starting with black spot: Mascara, liquid makeup, tinted moisturizer, water (below black), red wine vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice (top right). I left the puddles on pretty thick. I will never have mustard, etc in the bathroom, but I tested them just for giggles. The red wine stain is on the far left and barely visible. The mascara and makeup stains are probably because of the oils. After washed with Dawn. Water absorption test after 15 minutes. The watermark only goes up to the water level. It dried after 15 minutes. I circled tiny black specks that look the same as the veins.

We bought these after sitting in many chairs. Many wood choices, and we got the upholstered version. Wait for a sale!

Alocasia ’Stingray’