How about butcher block for a truly rustic look that would go nicely with an apron sink?

My firm does commercial and residential work so I have seen StonePeak high tech porcelain used in commercial projects but not residential. If you want to see images of installations go to this link:

http://www.stonepeakceramics.com/projects.php

Have you thought about poured concrete countertops? You can have it finished in a million different ways. Very durable for sure.

http://www.concretenetwork.com/photo-gallery/concrete-countertops_2/

@katrinamerlino, we are looking at Neolith too - love the durability, but aren't sure about the matte texture look. We really love the glossy, smooth finish of StonePeak which has same practicality as Neolith, but are concerned that the slabs are too thin (can't find a distributor who has them thicker than 3/8"). Sounds like we have similar styles in mind - I'd love to see photos once you decide!

@miacometlady @hayleydaniels, soapstone/butcher block are very nice, but we really have our heart set on white counters with a veiny look.

For white counters with a veiny look, go for a natural quartzite. Get it leathered for a less formal look.

@ann, thanks! there might just not be a great selection in my area. I've seen very few quartzite slabs that I like in White macubas/luce di luna. I like it in photos but when I've seen them in warehouses they look grey, green, blue, brown....

Amanda, you'd definitely want to find a particular slab you like. I live in a good sized city and every granite yard seems to have a few slabs of quartzite, so not a huge selection, but enough. I think for a marble look, your only other option besides quartzite is quartz.

Oh, I see you've listed ceramic(?) products I'm not familiar with. Maybe you've spotted one you like.

I have clients who have had carrara marble counters for years with kids, entertaining , cooking a lot . I for one would choose natural over manmade every time. In Europe you see marble counters that are ages old and look awesome if you love marble go marble seal it and wipe up spills (would you not do that anyway) Do waht yo love you will never go wrong.

i was unable to post the photo yesterday was away on my tablet. a better quality image of my quartz.

Found this blog post:

http://designsbykaty.com/the-look-of-marble-without-the-maintenance/

Take a look at a quartz by Ceasarstone named Calacatta Nuvo.

One great option would be Cambria's Torquay (http://www.cambriausa.com/en/Designs/design-palette/Torquay/.) We've used it in kitchens before and it looks very beautiful. You can see the veining even better in person.

Hi Amanda - I, too, am looking at the Stonepeak Plane Calcutta Gold. Wondering what you ended up going with and how it turned out. I see they have a 10mm now for countertops instead of the 6mm. I had a quartzite slab picked out for kitchen that is really nice and marbel-y looking, but that Stonepeak is just the exact look I want without the real marble worry - such easy maintenance and no bacteria, etc. Not sure about the white seam line. If I don't do it in my kitchen, I will do the stonepeak in my master bath.