Going to a slab yard (especially a big one) is like going to a candy store. There are just too many things to look at and it ends up being a frustration because, if you do not have a game plan, you will end up leaving just as confused and undecided as you were before you even went! With the wide array of choices, it is better that you narrow down what you are looking for before you even put foot in the yard. I will try to give a few pointers. Obviously each situation (and everybody's taste) is different, so a whole slew of undefinable factors will impact on your choice, but you could start with these: 1. How much natural light is in your kitchen? If you are limited to a single window or low light levels, going too dark with the stone will leave your kitchen feeling like a dungeon. 2. Light wood or light painted cabinets will bear darker stones much better than darker cabinets would. 3. If the stone and the cabinets are too close in tone, there would be too little distinction between the two, so aim for contrast. 4. Do you plan on living in this house for a long time or are your plans to sell pretty soon? Wild exotic stones could be a damper on prospective buyers, so going with a more conservative stone would be prudent if you plan to sell in the near future. 5. Narrow down your list of colors. (You mentioned you do not like browns/tans. That eliminated a whole slew of stones.) Start by looking at the colors you like, in the order of preference. 6. If you have unusually large counters and you prefer to have them done seamless (consult with your fabricator first!) Look at colors where the slab sizes would allow for your design. Like I said - many more criteria could be used to narrow down your choices, but have a plan and stick to it, else you might end up frustrated and no closer to a choice than before the expedition. Have fun!

Folks- NEVER use Plumber's Putty on Natural Stone - it has oils that will stain the stone as sjetexas has found out... Here's a poultice recipe that has worked for me over the last 23 years: A. mix plaster of paris into some acetone in a plastic throw away cup B. mix to the consistancy of pancake batter C. apply to the spot and overlap 1 inch past where the spot ends (eg- of you have a 2inch diameter spot, the plaster/acetone needs to be 4 inches in diameter) D. cover the plaster/acetone with saran wrap E. tape down the edges of the saran wrap with 3M BLUE TAPE F. allow the poultice to set for 24 hours G. remove EVERYTHING (poultice tape & saran wrap) after 24 hours........ the spot will either be gone - or way lighter, in which case you may have to repeat this process for really deep set stains and stubborn spots - but it works hope that helps ya kevin

These questions can't be answered. #1 and #2 - these are largely affected by regional tastes and regional economies. These two question can't be answered the way you've worded them. You will get a different answer in Chicago, in Miami, in Boston, etc., and those are big cities. You will get a different answer in, e.g., rural Illinois than in Chicago, etc. #3 - so subjective, it too can't be answered. Not only depends on regional differences, differences in lifestyles, and also each individual household and how they treat their counters - how they are being cleaned, how often and hard the kitchen is used, etc. #4 Again regional, subjective, who can tell. You also don't account for differences within the same material. For example, granite - there are thousands; some are completely non-porous and never need sealing and totally tough, while others are more porous and need more care. Soapstone - some are very soft, and chip more easily, some are harder. Butcher block - maple? walnut? is the user conditioning it or not? Is the user cutting on it or not? Quartz and other manmade material counters - same thing, there is variation not only in production, but in how each household uses it. Your questions don't take into account the individual perceptions of the counter owner. For example, people have soapstone counters that may chip. Bothers some owners so they sand the chips out; other owners don't notice the chips or don't care. Same thing with marble - some are bothered by etching, others look at it as patina. You would be better served by asking about a specific countertop you are interested in, and describe your household - how many, cooking a lot or not, are you the careful type or not, etc.

I just saw this quartzite the other day at the stone yard. Looks like this is the same one. If you get this for the island, then do the perimeter as well. I think if you try and do something different, but still white, it's going to look off. (unless you do a plain white quartz) . Do a quartz that looks like marble, is not going to work, IMO. They are just two different looks. Do them all the same, or do a dark, solid contrast. Now, if you wanted to do a soapstone, I'd say fine. that would actually look nice. look at this pic to get an idea (different island, but same premise). it's not going to make things look dark if you went w/a soapstone or even a honed Jet Mist granite. Cielo is a quartzite that you may want to consider as well. this one is leathered.