pugrolls - I'm not sure I would rule out quartzite (assuming you see something you like) because of the warning from your salesperson. Quartzite is harder than granite (which is why it can be harder to fabricate), so I'm sure it is at least as durable as granite. Quart counters are made from quartzite and resin I believe, so again, I can't see how quartzite would be much less durable. As for staining, I took a sample of my quartzite home before purchasing and did the usual tests for staining and etching, nothing. I've been using my counters for about six weeks, nothing yet, and we've left a few nasty things on the counter for longer than we should have. Others have commented here that Luce di Luna is pretty bullet-proof, as are some other quartzites. That said, I understand that there is quite a bit of variability in all natural stone. If you see something you love, take a sample home and test it yourself, and ask here if someone has personal experience with it. The sales person may not know quartzite that well, or they could be correct about that particular quartzite and not about others. Good luck in your search!

It would really help to see a pic of your kitchen or at least the layout. Depending on the size and the space requiring the backsplash, different sizes of field tile could be used. So, lets assume average size. You can do a subway glass tile in an oversized rectangular shape (let's say 4x8). If you want to add mosaics, you can do a single row, then maybe a 3" strip of mosaics, then the rest in the field tile with a broken joint pattern. Here's one suggestion for field color: I like the taupe or buffett gray depending on your slab. Then you can do a mosaic inset of your liking. Another different idea would be to do a "safe" color but in an interesting way. Choose something with somehttp://www.interstyle.ca/img/products/glass/mosaics/icestix/icestixcolors.jpg variation in sheen, texture, color saturation to bring it more interest without competing with the granite. Like this? The rumble color looks kinda nice. Install either horizontally or vertically for even more "funk".

Not a fan of this granite but willing to live with it IF I can get lighter painted cabinets. Need to replace all doors as some are broken. Hardware too. Will hire a pro to paint. Will change wall color too, once cabinet color is sorted out. Kitchen faces east with lots of windows, so very bright/light. Lots of ceiling lights. Walnut trim throughout the house which is staying. Tile floor is beige/sand color. Doors have been routed in a u-shape to accept hinges. Can’t change the hardware and keep the doors without major woodwork repairs to each door. New doors will allow more options. What color to paint cabinets first, then walls. Buttercream? Off White? Again, the countertops are very dominant. Suggestions?

Why not buy a small device (Vario Color Muse) to measure the colour of the work surface ? It will tell you in which Hue Family it belongs, how light (Value), how colourful or neutral (Chroma) then you can find accompanying whites to suit.