check out quartize. Tons of threads on here about it. If it's real quartize it will be stronger than granite. I ended up with Quartz because I couldn't find a real Quartize and I didn't want the upkeep of marble and then I just ran out of time :)

We have had White Diamond aka Bianco Antico for over 2 years with no staining issues. Lots of things like coffee, tea, honey, strawberry juice, etc. have sat on the counter over night and just wipe off in the morning. Just recently got our first chip in it. I had a pyrex measuring cup in my hand and slammed it against the edge near the sink. Very tiny chip you can't really see but can feel. No plans to have it fixed.

Trying to upload a photo but its not working today.

We've had Bianco Romano for a year with absolutely no problems.

My Bianco Romano isn't installed yet so I can't tell you how it will perform in action but my sample sailed through all the tests I put my it through, even though it wasn't sealed.

Stay away from Kashmir White. It's one of the more porous white stones. I tested a sample of it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, mustard, red wine, lemon juice and a few other items. A dark circle immediately grew around each test patch, growing to twice the size of the test subject in no time. I didn't wait the usual 30 mins; I washed it right away. The dark circles eventually faded but it did take quite some time for that to happen. I was told this is one stone that you need to be vigilant about keeping sealed, possibly requiring sealing as often as every 6 months.

Gorgeous counter, debrak!

We put in Bianco Romano (Brampton/Toronto area) and have had no issues at all. We absolutely love the beauty of this granite!

I was concerned about this granite at first, but we bought it anyway. The fabricator who eventually installed the granite (we didn't purchase from or through him) assured us it was a strong and almost bullet-proof granite. So far, so good. We've had it installed since Christmas.

We were all set to get Bianco Romano. Went back to the granite place and they had sent all their slabs back! Apparently they were crumbling when being fabricated. They had no idea when they would get more. I was heart broken and while my White Diamond was my second choice, it really does go better with all the other elements. Thanks lisa!

ellendi, I think an important part of the is the sealer. We trusted our granite place (1 stop shop) as they had done granite previously in a friends home. They used a sealer that should hold up for 5-6 years. I don't know the name but they said I can buy it from them when the time comes.

I also have a small kitchen and wanted something light. I went with Aqua Venato Quartzite. No problems what so ever. I really love it and it has some really pretty sparkle to it.

Ooooh pretty!

Thanks Lily. It really is pretty. I can't believe how it sparkles. Not over powering but just enough to look different than some of the other light stones I looked at.

We have had Wine River (aka River White) for over a year, no issues whatsoever.

Mine is more ivory. I had River White slabs picked out and someone at the stone yard pointed me to these when I told her I'd hoped to find something in a creamier shade to go with my Buttercream cabinets.

The name is New Golden Beach, which is decidedly different from regular Golden Beach which has a lot of tans and golds.

I wanted granite because I'd had granite in the previous kitchen for 12 yrs. and had great luck with it in a busy working kitchen. We eat at and entertain around the island, so I didn't want to worry about stains, etc.

It's been in since November & we've had weeks of houseguests and done holiday entertaining,

in addition to daily meals. It's holding up beautifully - no stains, chips, etching, etc.

Arctic cream granite. I love it. We've had it 3 years and have had no problems at all with it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I might consider the quartzite as well.

We just had Taj Mahal quartzite delivered to our fabricator last week and hopefully to our kitchen soon.

I looked for a loooong time to find something I loved and didn't etch or stain but still have that marble look. I got my hands on a sample of the Taj Mahal and have tried so hard to hurt that poor little thing but nothing thus far has damaged or stained it.

I love the pictures posted on this thread too. It is such a tough choice trying to find something that will make you smile over coffee every morning and not give you grief when you drop limn or vinegar on it.

I have had RIver White for six months with no problems.

This is actually for my DD's new (to us) co-op. She is not as careful as I am.

patriceny - we have the same granite but our granite place called it antartica. we had one edge chip but it was fixed pretty easily. no staining after a year

That Aqua Venato quartzite is really stunning! I love my Bianco Romano, but I might have chosen that Venato if I'd seen it in the granite yard!!