Quartz above

Shiney black granite shows everything.

Quartz is not as tough as they say. I put it in my last home right before we sold it and was shocked that it stained quickly. I have also had Carrara marble and several granite in my kitchens.

Just say no to marble. Our current kitchen has a honed Carrara marble island and honed black granite for the other counters. We tried so hard to keep the gorgeous marble from getting marked, but one time my (totally lovely) brother-in-law was squeezing lemons for drinks and it splashed and got really etched. Not good.

The black granite -and the granite in my previous house - has been amazing. Nothing seems to hurt it. Just be sure to go honed. Shiny polished finishes do get messed up and show every spot.