Watch out and test for the dyed stuff please.

I never understand the choice of honed granite . Stone yard polished granite is honestly indestrucable once you hone it it creates issues like absorbing oils etc. If you want to know how it will lok in your kitchen ( which is all that matters) get some black construction paper and do your whole counter. IMO if you want that softer look finish I would do soapstone .

Thanks for your thoughts. I am not a fan of anything that is shiny. I just prefer matte finishes, thus the honed or leather granite appeals to me. I am leery of soapstone because it is so soft. We have many young grandchildren so durability is important. I love your idea of the construction paper and will heed your advice. Thanks again.

I had honed on my fireplace in my last house and loved the look of it. Granted, it was not used quite the same as a kitchen countertop, but go for what you like. Agree with @Joseph Corlett, LLC to test it if you can.

You want a black matte stone, that is impervious to staining and etching...get soapstone. Only get it from a soapstone dealer, (like M. Teixeira)...not a stone yard selling mainly granite, marble and quartzite.

Before you ask...soapstone does not need to be oiled or waxed. There are hard varieties of soapstone that won’t chip or scratch (I have one). Yes, you can put hot pots and pans directly on soapstone.

Or, how about checking Silestone products?

I have Silestone Calcutta and I love how easy this product is to keep clean.

Soapstone from Teixeira - beautiful matte finish. https://www.soapstones.com/

eld6161, there have been lots of complaints about the matte/honed quartz products staining easily and showing fingerprints. There have been quite a few posts about it the past few years.