Not sure about quartz, but leathered granite is wonderful, doesn't show fingerprints like the shinny granite. Also has a very nice feel.

This is what we are dealing with with our new leathered granite- scratches and white dots everywhere. Fabricator says not his problem and normal wear and tear. They have been installed for 8 months and look 20 years old. Not sure if leathered quartz would be different but we are regretting our decision. No one told us that every time we put a porcelain white plate on the counter they would leave these smooth marks!

I like the feel of leathered quartz or granite, however, it seems like a great surface for gunk, bacteria, and viruses to hide out.

Kelsyn are you sure your stone is leathered granite? Looks like honed marble. Which is softer. We have leathered grey mist granite and it’s indestructible and easily wiped down - there aren’t pits and crevices for things to collect in. No matter what always check the hardness of the Stone you are considering. Some granites and most marbles are soft and easier to scratch. The most important relationship in this discussion is your fabricator, their experience and knowledge and track record.

I wonder if leathering varies (either with the type of granite or the fabricator (?)). I have leathered granite (Virginia Mist) and haven’t had any problems at all with scratches or marks, and it cleans very easily. It’s been great. However it doesn’t have deep pockets or crevices where gunk etc. might hide, that’s why I wonder if there are variations in leathered finishes.

thinkdesignlive the fabricator told us it was leathered granite but now that you are saying that I wonder if it is not. I NEVER would buy marble as we have lots of young kids and i wanted something that would not damage. Wonder how I find out what it is for sure? There are no deep grooves and it feels very smooth only slightly bumpy

The original pic looks like Fantasy Brown. Lots of debate regarding whether it is granite, marble, or quartzite. Several threads on Houzz. Just search fantasy brown in Discussions.

Have you been to the stone warehouses yet? I have my eye out for just the right slab of few options. But all 3 stoneyards I went to have granite in leathered. I much prefer the matte look and feel of leathered than the glossier finish.

I’ve heard complaints from some that leathered countertops show fingerprints pretty easily. That wouldn’t bother me too much but if you’re OCD about that kind of thing, something to consider (and try out on your slab when selecting!)

CW that's true of honed - but not with leathered. The bumpy surface of leathered works to hide fingerprints but honed is as smooth as silk and very prone to showing fingerprints.

I have leathered Steel gray granite counters. Have been living with them for 2 1/2 years. No scratches and no fingerprints. We slide plates and pots on it without issue. It cleans up no differently then the polished granite we had in our previous house.

The picture of the counters in the original post does not look like quartz to me.

Here is what the texture looks like on our counter tops:

I have Fantasy Brown Leathered Quartzite in my kitchen, and it's been bulletproof.

Here's some info on leathered quartz - "Is quartzite better than quartz?Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. ... Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit."

Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops | CounterTop Guides

Leathered Taj Mahal Quartzite throughout house. 2cm with mitered 4cm edges. Mitering the edges carries the finish over the edge, and hopefully the pattern.

2018-19 El Dorado Hills Ridgeview Village · More Info

Leathered or antiqued Cotton White granite 3cm. Edge is cut & polished.

2018-9 Tahoe Craftsman in Folsom Completion · More Info

We installed leathered granite on our 8x10 island and countertops in 2016 and LOVE it! Our installer said we would and we have! He also guaranteed it. I wanted something g that shows few fingerprints and was functional, easy to care for, and beautiful - it has delivered!
We may be moving this summer and I will go with the leathered granite again, no doubt!

Thanks everyone. I had heard of leathered granite and quartzite, but not of Quartz. Too good to be true. I wanted to have Quartz in the bathrooms, and have granite in the kitchen. I do not want Quartzite for reasons that I cannot remember. LOL I read up about the difference in the 3 a few weeks ago and came to my conclusion about surfaces.

I don't think I would like a leathered surface, either. I like a shiny finish with no bumps. Also, I have never noticed fingerprints on my shiny granite counter tops.

I also think the pattern is Fantasy Brown. My cousin has that in a shiny granite.

I also have leathered steel gray counters for 1.5 years. I adore them. Easy to clean, great texture, durable.

Love the leathered granite! Never smudges and no crevices to harbor bacteria, I highly recommend.

Silestone makes a "Volcano" finish for its quartz countertops.

" The Volcano texture features a distinctly rustic yet smooth feel and appearance. "

@barncatz I sincerely apologize. You are 100% right. As it happens, my son has OCD too (and Tourette’s) so I should have been more sensitive in my word choice.

@thinkdesignlive I thought the same about honed vs leathered, but I have two family members who have leathered granite and complain that it shows fingerprints. Maybe it depends on the type of granite? Or how deeply it’s leathered?

Thank you CW. I have decided against the leathered look. The beach house photo in my original post does not looked leathered like some of these other photos I am seeing. I believe that kitchen counter description is wrong.

By the way, I am OCD and was not offended by your statement. Finger prints would bother me, too! I prefer to think that I am OTT... Over the Top when it comes to perfection.

Anyway, the topic is Off topic. ;)

We are considering leathered quartz because quartz can be food-grade and other materials typically are not. Has anyone used the leather finish countertop to roll out biscuits or pie crusts?

@dbjorgensen please do your homework. There are many materials that are used for counters that are food safe-granite, stainless steel, laminate, wood and marble to name a few.

@vinmarks That was not the question. And most granite is not because of porosity.

@dbjorgensen No that wasn't the question but you are putting out false information. Most common counter materials are food safe. Your comment about granite not being food safe due to porosity is a myth. Stop perpetuating a myth.

We are talking about granite and quartz so don't obfuscate. There is a difference between food safe and food grade. Food grade is regulated, but food safe is not. Granite is "food safe" ONLY if properly sealed and maintained. Do your homework. Quartz can be NSF certified as well as Kosher. However, you can buy NSF-certified sealers for granite..