lindola Thanks for your quick response.i will be using a black soapstone for the counter and white subway tile for my backsplash, I guess that's what they call it. Because I live in earthquake country, I'd like to prevent any cracks that could occur at the back between counter and subway tile. Sorry if I sound confused and I do appreciate your feedback.

City Cabinet Center, San Diego The seam between the counter top and the subway tile should be grouted by your contractor. No cracking should occur outside of a very large earthquake happens and I cant promise that it will hold up during a large quake.