Yes, "that" is the need to seal any stone below the .25 absorbtion rate. Most fabricators I speak with seal everything. With the "better safe than sorry" mindset. One coat of sealer is relatively harmless though unnecessary on a large variety of stones. Another large group of fabricators put in writing the stone must be sealed every 6 months. Which is excessive. The manmade products industry have fueled the paranoia about all stones needing to be sealed. I have thought long and hard how to explain the situation and this is what I tell my cuatomers. Clothing, what if we based all our care instructions for all our clothes, on silk? Don't you know clothes are delicate, you MUST have them dry cleaned and ironed? And you must use "special" cleaners like Woolite on all clothes. Why wear cloth at all do to all the trouble, and maintenance. Wear plastic. Most stones are LOW to no maintenance. But they are marketed against as if they are delicates.

In searching an image for Castleton Mist, I also saw one called Vale Mist. I can't tell from the room photo if it's green or gray or some combination. Both added to the list.

Antartide quartzite slabs - do you know anything about this type of quartzite? I can't find information anywhere on line. The slabs show alot of mineral and have some sparkle; ranges in color from white/gray/tan to faint greens, blues and deep burgandy. Thanks.

sarahbr2, forgot one other thing dealer mentioned. my room where the fireplace will go is in a new addition off my kitchen/dining room. original exterior wall will be removed to make open concept. his thoughts were an open concept space will allow heat to move to adjoining rooms. could be more problematic if your space is more confined. this dealer is well respected and gets most business in my area so i value their opinion. once you choose the fviews, it may be hard to find an option you would be happy with. that full view, that river rock and driftwood.....like a night on the beach, only in iowa!