shucks! I thought I was going to get the images within the post! Here they are!

Here is a link that might be useful: Rojo Alacante marble

Here's the green granite

Here is a link that might be useful: Costa Esmerelda

I am a sucker for Costa Esmerelda. For me it is one of the most elegant granites out there. It would be beautiful with the cabinet color as you describe them.

I'm not too wild about the marble however. I've seen Rojo Alacante used in old theaters and public buildings and it never really appealed to me. It might be nice in a bathroom with walnut ornately carved cabinets but I don't see it working with the Costa Esmeralda. Just my opinion and many may disagree with me.

Yes, I think I do LOVE the Costa Esmerelda. The Roja Alacante I saw (and have sample of) is a very light, almost creamy orange color. I saw pictures of it as a bright red/orange that I def. don't like. Hmmm...

The CE is amazing
I too find that the orange is not my cup of tea. But I tend
to lean toward the simple elegant style.
If you love it go for it.

~boxer

The "if you love it" message is really coming thru on this forum. I like that phylosophy!
Boxer, do you have any knowledge/experience with rojo alacante marble?
Thanks!

I did a search on green and orange kitchens. I know you
are not going with Green and ORange but to get a feel for
the contrast and how it works for some.

Thinking about it the Costa Esmeralda and the Rojo
Acalinte...Creamy soft with a hint of tawny orange would
look beautiful with the creamy soft hint of green in the
CE.

You asked about RA??? I do not know RA specifically.
Kevin would be the best person to ask about this rock.
I do know that it comes from Spain. It is a medium hard
stone. It has veins that sometimes are filled at the
factory to give the stone a flat smooth surface. It
definitely needs sealing but probably no more than most
granites or marbles. In fact it is harder than most white
marbles.

Here are some kitchens with CE granite on the perimeter.
Look at the ideas they have and in each case I think
the RA would look even better. I think you may be on
to something fun and beautiful.

~boxer

Avram Rusu Modern Kitchen orange colors

A Garden webber's clipped picture from 2007
This shows how contrast, mixing colors can be done to
look truly amazing.

Jessica Claires Blog Imagine your granite choices here.
It would rock this kitchen!!!!!!!!!

Color these counters in the color you want is this
is getting close to some granite ideas for your space.

Costa Esmeralda on the perimeter
Angus McRitchie

CE granite

Here is a link that might be useful: Granite Gurus is a nice place to search about stones

I agree with Boxerpups,
Sounds like you're onto something unique and beautiful....
The usual disclaimer: I'm no expert.....
However, I really think this could work best if your marble topped island cabinetry will be a different finish than the perimeter cabinets, just as you're thinking already. I think it would seem like a different piece of furniture in an eclectic, too-cool-for-matchy-matchy kind of way. Also, it sounds like you'd be drawing all of the different shades together in the backsplash.
I hope you go for it! Sounds really great! You had it all figured out before you even asked for the GW opinions!

Be aware the the rojo will etch like all marbles and it will etch white. There will be a visible texture change particularly with the polished finishes.

Try out a sample and see for yourself.