I am so confused and frazzled. Every time I think I have a handle on this durability and non porous thing, I choose a stone and after research find so many things potentially wrong with it. I saw a beautiful slab of Macaubus Fantasy, but have since seen mention that it will stain. I need something that is fairly indestructible. I live near the beach and have lots of company, but I am often away for a week at a time and not around to keep wiping the countertops. Even if I am home, I don't want to baby a countertop that will never grow up. Which of these stones should I stay away from and which are definitely good? Macaubus Fantasy "Quartzite" Allure Quartzite (does practicality increase/decrease if it's leathered?) River Blue Granite Or are my only sure choices Taj Mahal or Sea Pearl? I'd appreciate any feedback

I LOVE it! Not cold, no stains, doesn't break your dishes, easy to keep clean, no sealing, no grout, integrated sink (awesome feature, no caulk to clean OR nasty lip to deal with)...it scratches, yes, but not very noticeable on a light color. And you will need trivets under your hot things. But, seriously, if we had a stone or tile counter I know we'd have fewer dishes. I often accidentally crack them against the counter when unloading the dishwasher. Don't rule it out just because it's manmade and un-trendy. I'm a busy mom of two little boys, 7 and 3, and it's been a wonderful counter!

Thanks, went to granite yard with Raven and the Piatra Gray from Caesarstone both looked good, though I liked the tone of Piatra gray a bit better. Wonder if there's too much movement there combined with the Sea Pearl? I want to go back with some Pental Quartz samples, since Pental is a bit less spendy. Thinking the Coastal Gray and the Cinza ( weird, I can't find any kitchen here or on Houzz that even mention the Pental Cinza??)

Polished nickel will look best! Just don't use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean it. You could also go with a classic polished chrome which can handle anything and never goes out of style. I worked for Kohler and they don't use a living finish for their polished nickel. The artifacts line does look best in the polished finishes or the new pewter finish. Brushed nickel and brushed stainless are not popular anymore with respect to NYH.