We put in honed black granite 7 years ago and I still love it. Granite is dense hard stone and the reason I chose it was to get rid of trivets for hot dishes. Everything goes straight from oven or stovetop to counter.
I think what is called Quartz these days is actually factory made using Quartz and chemical glues. Can't put hot things on them I think.
Marble is higher maintenance than granite and stains.
I go for practical usage and beautiful ( in my eyes).