You first need to determine (if it hasn't already) if your particular granite needs to be sealed. For daily cleaning (not polishing) I use a mixture of 50/50 alcohol/water and a microfiber cloth. I discovered the "home brew" over on the kitchen forum 6 years ago. So many of the products aren't meant for granite or the sealer. Stay away from acidic or non ph balanced products. Stay away from soap and water...it's too hard to rinse and after awhile you'll wind up with a hazy film on your beautiful countertop. 50/50 probably isn't necessary. Some people use less alcohol. Monica

Or what about this ming green marble? http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Classic.Tile.And.Marble.inc.718-331-2615/picture/view/1383839 I saw something at the tile store that was similar, though I don't think it was marble, and when the salesman who had been helping me saw me looking at it, he laughed and said, "I hope you aren't selling your house any time soon, and if you are, you better hope a leprechaun buys it." Yeah, I know, not the best salesman. We aren't selling our house any time soon, probably in about 2 years, so I do want something that is pretty neutral or universally appealing. This doesn't seem like a crazy color to me (and I am a little color shy)--it seems like a pretty neutral green, no? Anyone have this marble, or an opinion on how it goes with verde butterfly? I hope I'm not being too much of a pain with all these questions. I'm just so anxious to get this decision made, and I really appreciate how helpful everyone on this forum is.

we have white venatino marble in our bathrooms (very similar to carrara). every bit of toothpaste stains them as well as everything else. they also scratch very easily. this does not bother me. i think they're still beautiful, but if you are the type that will be disturbrd by gray blobs/stains in your marble then go with granite. on the other hand, marble is more historically accurate, right? not sure if you care about that. if you do, my friend swears that her HONED white marble does not stain or etch. if you want to expolore granites, i've seen some pretty whitish granites. delicatus is gorgeous. http://www.granitedepotga.com/Delicatus.jpg bianco romano is pretty as well. the link below shows some other alternatives as well. http://www.granitegurus.com/2011/09/looking-for-alternate-to-white-marble.html kashmir white varies a great deal from slab to slab as do all granites, but i've noticed this more with kashmir white. some slabs are beautiful while most are very plain and evenly speckled with no movement at all. you'll have to shop around for a pretty slab. most are very blah. moon white quartzite is worth checking into as well.

So just so I have my details clear - quartzite and granite are the best choices for durability in a kitchen correct? Did I read that quartzite can still etch, but doesn't scratch and that granite doesn't etch or scratch? We spoke with the owner of the granite place and they will replace our stone. As much as I love the super white look I need something that won't cut when the pizza cutter rolls off onto the counter and that won't etch badly if things like fruit juice are spilled on it. Any suggestions on what type of stone is best as well as any more specific suggestions on a light color that has a similar look to super white? Thank you all so very much for your help!