Check out STT's SB sealer (we used SB Deluxe). We used it on two types of honed travertine, and on a split-faced travertine mosaic, and it didn't darken any of those. We also used it on White Thassos marble, I'm pretty sure it's polished, and there was no change in that either. If you call the company, the owner (Stephen) is very knowledgeable, and very helpful. The sealer is practically odorless, and extremely easy to apply and then buff off (any excess). I have no affiliation with the company whatsoever, BTW, just a happy consumer! Here is a link that might be useful: STT sealers

One apparent reason quartzites are etching is if the supplier at the quarry put resin on the slab before shipping it, which makes it more susceptible to etching. I think cloud asked how that could change the chemical composition but as I thought about it, it made sense since stone can be changed by putting acid on it, or even by putting a sealer on it to protect it from stains. The other information that others have offered as to why quartzite etches (geology websites say quartzite is highly resistant to acids) is what is being sold is not a true quartzite. I sure don't know, and unfortunately most distributors don't have the stone analyzed to tell. I suppose it's possible, but I've been told that all Quartzite Bianca (aka Luce de luna, Aspen White) comes from the same quarry. Maybe it's possible some stone in the same quarry is true quartzite while other stone is not... If anyone in Oregon, WA, Idaho has found Quartzite Bianca that has not been resined, I'd love to hear from you. I do think there is something to the idea that putting resin on quartzite makes it etch because we have examples of that from homeowners in this area that got quartzite that had resin put on it prior to shipping, and they etched. But, it would be great to hear from someone who knows their quartzite had resin put on it and they've had no etching--that way we can eliminate the resin idea as a cause for etching. My heart goes out to anyone that this happened to. We pay a lot of money for these beautiful stones and many of us were told it would not etch.

Ugh! I typed a whole story and just lost it! I will try again... I love marble too and the light quartize but opted for LG Minuet Quartz because of its ease of maintenance. I have 2 kids and a messy DH. We push and pull and drag stuff all over the counters. We don't clean up spills in a timely fashion. I tried but couldn't find a real quartize and now after a few weeks in my new kitchen I am glad I have a low maintenance counter. I can even understand why people use laminate. It's durable and you don't have to think about it. i have to use hot plates but I have always had too so that's no big deal to me. I haven't had my Quartz long but so far it hasn't stained.

Mont Blanc. When I bought it I asked sale person make sure its hard quartzite and he assured me it was but I do not think it is hard but rather more in between and on soft side.