I did a lot of reading before purchasing our granite.....from everything I read (and now experienced) sealed granite is practically indestructible......ours is uba tuba

I had my 22 yr old "strong as an ox" son try to scratch our sample piece of sealed granite with a knife and he literally could not do it!!

I was sold after that!LOL

I have 3 kids, ages 9, 7, and 4 and have had granite in my kitchens for the past 6 years. I've had no problems at all with staining and my kids are MESSY eaters. I've also had no problem getting crayon, marker, washable paint, play-doh, etc off my counters.

That said, my new granite is Bianco Antico which is not a totally smooth surface. I may be a little more cautious with the paint and play-doh on this one. But I really have no concern about food stains.

I just got a 12x12 sample of Cambria Lincolnshire today and I really like it. It has quite a bit of "movement". There are swaths of dark charcoal about 4 inches long that are kind of swishy and swirly.

Here is a link that might be useful: This is what Cambria Lincolnshire looks like, but my sample is darker than this picture.

While I personally do not like the look of granite, I have now had dark granite (brownish) in two kitchens. I think a direct thermonuclear hit might dent it a little. Perhaps you could crack it with a stick of dynamite in the knife drawer below. Otherwise it does not pay any attention to anything you throw at it.

You do have to research your particular variety of granite. I have heard of issues with Absolute Black (certain types) as well as some of the lighter colors. But the durable granites are probably the most durable kind of countertop possible.

Marcolo--LOL :)

I have brown something granite (not a popular choice and not going to check the name of it right now). it is boring and whatever but we have a large table made from it. the kids do everything on it, no worries.

Elsewhere in the kitchen is white marble, sealed. My daughter left a homemade raspberry ice pop on it. to melt. discovered it the next day. some serious etching but absolutely no staining.

I have had a 52 inch round granite table since 1987 in my kitchen. DD was born in 1990 and we always had tons of kids, projects, etc. Not a worry. There are two little dings, not very visible, and I think I did them but don't remember how.

My granite has been indestructible, forget about the dings. Still beautiful. I am bored, though. And the table won't fit in the new kitchen.

Check yellow river to see where it ranks in durability, but generally speaking, nothing's tougher than granite.