Hi all, this is the OP again. Just thought I'd update here again since we are still light-colored quarzite counter owners! (I get email notices when this thread becomes active, which it has this week...). So after the white macaubus staining problems we had 6 years ago when I first started this thread, we happened to move to a new house two years ago -- and we again bought a light quartzite countertop (after MUCH debate b/c I was nervous for the same issue to occur of course). We bought Perla Bianca this time. And we only agreed to do it b/c we used a very professional new fabricator who guaranteed/warranted the new counter (they did not expect there to be any issues). A year later, SAME PROBLEM happened. Staining around the edges. Fabricator was shocked. We were not worried b/c they said all along if they could not get the stains out, they would give us a new counter. (GREAT COMPANY!!) They looked into the issue for us, spoke with distributors, reps, etc., and reassured us that they would get to the bottom of whatever was going on... ***So they said they learned through their research that it is becoming an unfortunate trend to inject the stone with some kind of lightening/bleaching agent since so many people are requesting LIGHT colored quartzite. And that this compromises the stone (makes it more pourous I think he said?). I'm not sure when this happens or who does this -- at the quarry, or once it gets to the distributor? Disclaimer: I'm no expert on this part, just passing along what I was told! ;) So our fabricator was able to work with the distributor (who agreed their batch must have been compromised) and we selected a new slab from a new batch of Perla Bianca. The fabricator then did all kinds of treatments to it when they cut it, and even delayed install here twice to ensure it was 100% dried out before sealing and delivering it, etc. We told them to take as long as they needed, ha. We have now had the NEW counter (so, our third quartzite between the two houses) for another year and are having zero issues with it. No staining at all. The fabricator did say they had one other install last year with the same issues we'd had, but that otherwise they install quartzite all the time with no problems. So... maybe we were just vey unlucky and got two slabs that had been compromised with a lightener? I would just say buyer beware for sure -- and if you are working without a warrantied slab or do not have an ethical and professional fabricator who is willing to work with you if problems arise, I would definitely NOT choose a light quartzite. It's a happy ending here for us, but also a lot of drama and effort and stress along the way. Hope this is helpful!

Thanks so much everyone ! I‘ve been reading more about marble all day and it did lighten up by the afternoon. I tried to just use my gentle natural dish soap to wipe/wash away any remnants of anything left on it and as soon as the water went back on these spots it looks dark again! Now that it’s dried out it looks like this ..... its much better but still a bit stained. Should I try to get the stain out again ? Worried I might make it worse - can that happen? Anyone had luck with baking soda for longer? I did read it should be for 24 hours but I left the paste on overnight and flipped out when I checked on it this morning and it was so dark plus I read baking soda can be abrasive. Or should I just seal it and use my metal decorative tray going forward and accept this level of staining.

Update: As fast as it appeared , it went away! Thank God. Must’ve been water that dried:) hurray!

I doubt it is etched, but it is probably permanently stained. I'd Google and try a poultice or two, but I'm not optimistic with a stain that dark and a stone so porous. How close is the stain to your sink please? If it's adjacent, perhaps a sink change could save you. I'd go for an acetone and/or lacquer thinner poultice. Saturate, cover with saturated paper towel, cover the paper towel with Saran Wrap and tape the edges. Check it in a day or so. May have to repeat. You run the risk of lightening, but spreading the stain.