Marble is very soft and very absorbent therefore it stains very easily. Quartz on the other hand has zero porosity. Some brands are so non-absorbent that they are certified for use in Kosher households. Many of the new quartz are so realistic you can have the beauty of marble with none of the issues it brings with it. Some clients still go with marble claiming that stains add stories to their home but for most folks a stain is just a stain.

Sandra, I would suggest you Google marble vs. quartzite vs. quartz to read about them. Marble is a more porous stone which can stain which is why some are hesitant to use it in kitchens. It's seen in kitchens because many people like its classic and neutral look.

Marble is a softer stone that may chip or crack. However, the more notable features are it's tendency to etch and stain. Marble is porous, so things like spills frequently made by kids can soak into the stone and leave a mark. Some of these can be removed, most will fade a bit over time. Sealers can help protect the stone here and give you more time to clean up the spill before it turns into a stain.

Marble also etches. When people advise against marble in the kitchen, this is usually the main reason. The calcite in marble will react with acids (citrus, wine, tomato sauce) and etch the stone. This creates a dull patch. Sealers can not protect against etching. With a honed counter top, this is less noticeable. Still, it's there. I like to think of a marble counter top as a living surface that will develop a patina over time. Personally, I love the look. But many people who fall in love with the marble look have this idea of an immaculate counter in their minds. You can try as hard as you want, but your counter will not stay this way. If you want an easy care surface, marble is not it. With kids especially, you need to be ok with etching and staining if you go marble. Here is a blog post we did on etching with some photos of what it looks like.

Why Does Marble Etch?

This woman also has a wonderful blog post on her experience with marble counters.

Just to add to all the great information already provided, it is important to note that quartz is completely non-porus regardless of brand. It is made of 93% quartz minerals and 7% resin. It is not stain, scratch, or heat proof but VERY resistant.

Quartzite (the "zite") is the key part of the word, is however a natural stone. It is porus but about 20% stronger than granite is. It needs to be sealed annually the way your other natural stone counters would be but offer a great option for individuals that like the marble veiny look. :)

Marble is often used in kitchens in Europe but Europeans have accepted the fact that over time the material will patina, etch, and scratch. If you install marble somewhere and expect it to maintain the same showroom quality, it sadly won't work.

Agree with everyone else - marble is too delicate. There are many quartz countertops that look like marble if you like the look. We have granite now but are about to remodel and will go with quartz.

We have quartz in K & marble in front bath, where I converted antique washstand into vanity. Bathroom not exposed to vineger, wine, etc. It's been there for 35+ yrs. & looks great, but I'd never consider it for K.

Quartz is one of the hardest and most durable countertop materials. Also, you can find quartz in many various colors and patterns. Simply put, with quartz, you will get the best looks and quality with the best cost.

Donna what kind of quartzite is this? I have a sample of one that's totally etching

Reddyinga, make sure its a true quartzite and not a dolomite or calcite that is mislabeled. No matter what material you choose, no natural stone is completely etch PROOF- just more or less resistant depending on the stone.

I disagree, due to the fact that the granite makes a kitchen appear not only modern, but marble is known to be durable, and easy to clean. Because marble counter tops are made from natural stone, they are also highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and breakage. Marble counter tops are a great long lasting investment for your kitchen.

Check out our blog post on kitchen countertops. We break down the different materials and the pros and cons of each one. http://goodfellasconstruction.net/blog/choosing-the-right-countertop-for-your-kitchen

Marble is not known to be " durable and easy to clean for kitchens". This is a little misleading and most people that have marble have a lot of up keeping to do in a busy kitchen. Marble will patina as it ages and is softer and more porous than granite/quartzite/engineered Quartz (quartz-which is completely non porus)