It sounds to me like you 've affected the sealant. Someone here will know.

Don’t mix stones. Nix the overdone waterfall. And keep everything one color.

Formica is a heat resistant, wipe-clean, plastic laminate of paper or fabric with melamine resin. This product was pretty standard in most homes for countertops in years past. Then with the popularity of stone, it was used less and less. You can find samples of formica in any box store near you. The cost is minimal compared to stone, although the look can resemble quartz or granite and does not have the panache stone has.

Here is my wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens - just for some ideas. Some things to consider - my similar kitchen benefited very much by adding under cabinet lighting - even if just between the sink and range. If you do a tile backsplash too, don't get the 4 inch little splash that matches the counter and reserve enough tile to fill in behind the microwave should you ever decide to change out to a hood. https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens Also, assess the current wear of your cabinets to be sure they will last many years more before investing in new counters. I decided mine would be good another 10 to 15 years so went ahead with the change.