Granite=Yawn. Marble=Stains.

How much do you plan to actually use them?

If you cook a lot and are hard on your counters then maybe granite would be better, but if you are a careful cook and don't mind a few marks ( we'll call it patina ) then go for the marble. If you visit any old chateau in France when you get to the kitchen tour you will see they all have 100yr old marble counters, yes they have a few dings but boy did they produce some great meals on that counter.

I've heard the same. I've had granite countertops for the past twelve years and they definitely need to be buffed up. Some chips fixed as well. I have marble floors in the bathroom, not in shower, and they etch easily. I have heard certain marble can whether water pretty well. Marble appears to be on the rise, so talk to a professional who knows much more than any lay person. I have Emperador marble; dark brown with mostly white veining which you would never want yo use in he kitchen. Good luck!

Have you considered natural quartzite?
[houzz=]

I agree with Johanne. Some things to also consider... do you have kids? Are you hard on your counters? We have 12 year old granite and boy are we hard on it. We could never use marble. I have a marble buffet and my husband set a halloween pumpkin on it temporarily. Now we have a beautiful etched design that needs repair. We don't even use the buffet but we managed to damage it.

Don't use marble. Use granite or maybe quartzite which looks similar to marble, but is a bit more durable. If you like the look of white Carrera, try Super White Quartzite (see photo)

Quartzite is a great option, it is harder than marble and has more beautiful veining than granite. I put it in client's kitchen a couple of years ago and they love it and they are big cooks. It comes in many beautiful white and creamy options.

If you really want the marble look try looking into NEOLITH. NEOLITH is a high performance material ideal for applications such as kitchen coverings. It does not scratch, does not stain, is heat, fire and heavy-duty cleaning agent resistant, and, thanks to the extremely low absorption rate of technical porcelain, ideal for food contact and processing.

Do you have an island? If so, Have you thought about using marble on the island and something more durable on the perimeter.

I vote for the quartzite. I've seen it and thought it was marble. I've heard quartzite a lot on HGTV, so it must be the new up and coming material. Granite is very durable and lasts a very long time, but it has been the material of choice for such a long time. If I was looking to replace my granite, I would choose something else.

thanks. I'll go check it out.

Just installed Taj Mahal quartzite last month. Love it. It is a dream to clean.