I know nothing myselt, but here's an older Kitchenweb thread about Schist as a countertop rock:

Here is a link that might be useful: Schist

If you love it, get it! Who cares if it's not granite...it's GORGEOUS!

Besides, everyone has granite... :)

It is exquisite!

It is beautiful, but I don't think it is very durable as a kitchen counter surface, due to the high mica content.

Have you ever seen Cosmic Black granite. It is similar. You can find ones with more varation and gray or black. I saw it leathered once, beautiful!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cosmic Black

I played with schist as a child. It was fun to flake off the layers. Yes, it had sparkle!

Don't do it. It will fracture, crack and move. It's difficult to cut, flakes easily. That's why you don't see it used as a counter top.

Please, if you make recommendations to NOT use these slabs please also tell us about your credentials to base your advice on stone, or at least your personal experience with the specific stone, or at a minimum "where" you heard that it isn't a good stone. We do appreciate the comments, we just would like the opportunity to know how much weight to give them. We are still investigating this stone and we will be discussing it with our fabricator today who will have the opportunity to see the slabs in person.

There are many kitchen countertops with Kozmus, Cosmos, Saturnia (and other names) with photos posted across the internet as well as within this forum with owners who frankly love their countertops. So, maybe it's more about the specific slabs or about the ability of the fabricator. I know that it is not an easy stone to fabricate.

As far as "not suitable" for kitchen counters, there are professionals who say that marble isn't suitable for kitchens and there's plenty installed and doing well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Member who has and loves it

Many things that are sold as granite as technically not geological granite. I have blue pearl which is technically some other type of stone but sold as granite and it's bullet proof and fantastic.

There are a few stone experts on this forum but they haven't responded so far. You should go to the John Bridge forum for example to get expert advice on stone.

One more thing. Do you have a fabricator lined up? If so you should have them evaluate your particular stone to see how fragile it is and whether or not it's suitable as a countertop.

Thanks for the advice, we'll check out that forum.

We're talking to Venetian Stone Works, who has lots of experience. They are great to work with, using digital templating showing 3-D visuals of your exact stone. They have CNC Milling Machine/WaterJet. If the stone can be fabricated I think these guys can do it and do it well so I'm anxious to hear what they have to say.

A really cool video, which shows the an example of how they present their 3-D layouts (including backsplashes) about 2 minutes into this short video.

Here is a link that might be useful: Venetian Stone Works

twlkp76 you must live close to me (I'm in eastern Woodinville). We're using Venetian to do our granite too. Found our slabs at Denali. You should talk with Venetian about your concerns regarding this stone. They'll give you good information.

Let us know what you find out. Good luck!

Credentials: I'm a practicing architect with 30 years of experience in renovations, ground up, commercial, and residential, and I still say, schist is a problem in countertops.

Talked to Venetian today and they have worked with this stone many times and feel confident with it. They say it does well on their water jet. There may not be enough material though, only two slabs available.

poohpup, we made it up to Denali, and loved their warehouse, just didn't find slabs that had to come home with us. We picked Venetian based on reputation and state of the art equipment. I would love to know how often Denali get "new" shipments. I asked but didn't get an answer. I guess they want to sell what's on hand. However, I'm not buying until I find one that I really want, I honestly don't care if we are on plywood until it arrives.

Thank you felixnot for your input and experience.

Have you looked at the granite called "Gold and Silver"? Seems like it might be something you would like. Lots of glittery bits.

I was interested in Kosmus for our countertops and our fabricator (around 20 yrs experience) said it's not out of the question ...but it requires a higher level of expertise to fabricate - just because it can be fragile to work with if not handled properly. I think it's beautiful but decided on a less dark counter in the long run. Our fabricator was fine with working with it ...it is stunning. If properly sealed it should be fine from what he says.