I have a Restoration Hardware vanity with their honed carrera marble top. So far, no stains, but I do not use much of any products in there that might stain. The crate said that the top has been sealed. You definitely want to seal marble. I would imagine that some more harsh products (like hair color, etc) would certain stain marble. You also need to worry about etching, which is (as I understand) caused by products that are not pH balanced (certain cleaners, etc). As a result, I specifically selected some hand soap that is pH balanced. When installing a new mirror a few weeks back, I was wearing a new pair of dark denim shorts. Leaning over the vanity, I ended up rubbing off a LOT of blue dye onto the marble top. I was very concerned that the stain might be permanent, but it wiped off with just water on a rag. Overall I am really pleased with the look of the vanity and have not had any problems (with staining or etching). The vanity is stunning, especially the marble top. I intend to continue to be careful with the marble and hope for the best, although I know at some point I will likely get a stain or etching.

We went with honed. I think technically they had it labeled as tumbled marble. I thought it looked a little less formal, if that makes sense to anyone other than me, than the polished. I don't find the basketweave portion to be slippery. We used a larger honed tile for the smaller room with the shower and toilet. I did slide a little once on that, but now I'm just careful to step on the mat and make sure the bottom of my feet are dry before stepping onto the floor. We sealed it and have not had any problems. I vacuum it with a hard floor attachment and have spot cleaned a few places. We've been using the bathroom for about six months and it's been very low maintenance.

Jeanteach said it to perfection. I too, have Jet Mist honed. I love it. I do not have the PITA issues. I guess because I strangely like to clean my counters. I made my own cleaner with alcohol (no not the kind for martinis) rubbing alcohol mixed with water and one or two drops of scented oil. I have never had finger marks with my granite. I do have the ocassional butter mark from some nimwhit who did not wipe up their toast or a bit of oil from salad dressing but it cleans off easily. A polished granite is going to be slightly easier to clean but an Absolute Black polished has issues of finger marks. Kind of like a stainless steel refrig. Both polished or honed if sealed is fairly easy to care for. Polished is said to provide better protection over elements like red wine, vinegar, oil, lemon... But in truth a good installer will have your honed granite sealed at the factor and again when installed. The Granite GURUS can explain this better. I wanted a soft flat matte finish look to my country white cabinet kitchen. A substitute for the soapstone that is so popular. Jet mist is perfect for me. But if you like high gloss, polished, the feeling of shiny jewels you will love a polished granite. My older sister could never go honed. She also has a big rock on her hand. : ) ~boxer

True quartzite does not etch. You should test for yourself to know for sure. Check out karin_mt's threads about testing quartzite. She is a geologist and very helpful in teaching people about countertop materials and their properties.