I personally don't have the honed AB but have done a lot of research about it because I want to use it in my daugther's bathroom reno. It seems that since the honed does not have a shine to it, that when you touch it or it gets wet, it leaves marks, just form the natural oils in your hands absorbing into the stone. I have read mixed reviews that some people don't notice it at all and it bothers others. I also read a great way to solve the fingerprint issue to spray method granite cleaner and polish all over it with a rag right after it's installed and the polish will soak into the stone, so you won't notice the fingerprints as much. That is what I have decided to do if I go that route. Sorry I don't have personal experience but that is what I have read about. If it is really the look you want go for it! I love the way it looks in kitchens.

I love my honed granite countertop. The granite is called JetMist. It is a grey charcoal black color. Not the solid black you may want. We looked at Cambria Black because my close friend had just put this brand in her kitchen. It was more expensive than we wanted to spend. Cambria on Craig's list in LA is about $50 sq foot. I did a quick search but could not tell you of installers in the CA area. I believe that Honed Absolute Black granite has issues as far as smudges for some people. Maybe if you did a search on GW you might find more answers. Question for Deee and anyone with honed black granite http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/msg0614171215824.html Here is a link that might be useful: Thinking of honed black granite.....good or bad idea?

It’s depeds on which one are you getting the original soapstone (from the earth) or the silestone(quartz) soapstone... Origiinal soapstone is cheaper than quartz soapstone, only because it’s man made and labor cost is included which is why it cost more than the orignal soapstone. I was supposed to be getting the original soapstone, but there was some confusion and mistakes, and we settled on soapstone quartz. They send me samples which I am not satisfied iwth the color effects.. I like to have more bold veins than the weak lines of veins. And it looks more Grey than Black.. Which is the color I wanted. So, I’m still communicating with the company, both home depot and the Granite design on this matter. Because our order was not what I was expecting. Although I was looking on pinterest and saw grey with bold vein is what I like to see or have. good Luck on your decision. I won’t have mine until hopefully by 19th of Sept. If we resolved this issue on timely fashion. Lisa P.S. I am paying more money than what you estimate on your price range.

I know this has been asked and answered But I still need some help. After an extensive search for a slate counter top I settled for honed black granite. The owner of the quarry guaranteed me he would seal it before delivery and it would not leave any discolorations. That did not happen, the installers just wiped it down with a sealer and when epoxy was used for the sink glue residue & finger prints set in as well as every splash of water after the faucet was connected. I called the dealer?quarry the next day and he said he would take care of it. 1 week later everything was leaving stains even if I wiped it immediately, splatter from the stove just spread with each wipe. I called again and told him he needed to send someone over to remove the stains and reseal it properly. His response was well it's stone it's going to do that?????? but he would sell me a sealing kit!!!!I responded what good is that if it's stained. he said use bleach, didn't work either. Help! this guy lied to me and now I'm stuck with a top that is getting worse by the day, is there something wrong with this stone? What can I use to remove the glue stains & food splatter, water marked do come up if I repeated scrub them but that's all day every day???????