All of that will depend on the slabs you choose and BTW I would not do anything but a polished finish if you wantt his material be as easy as possible to use. When the fabricator comes make sure this is done with a laser and when the layout is ready for you to check make sure you do so very carefully.Any material with very obvious striations are difficult to do without the change in direction to work well. If you have an island the slab piece you show would be awesome on the island and then a much plainer stone for the perimeter.If you look at this it is a good idea of how the change in direction can be done so make sure this is what you want and share that with your fabricator. right from the start. I for sure would not do the backsplash

Thank you for this helpful response. Any other posters with a photo of Aurora blue? Thanks in advance!

Not loving that 4" backsplash in that photo. With the pattern it gives an odd 3D effect that is a bit unsettling when looking at the photo.

Agree! I definitely won’t be doing the backsplash with the quartzite.

Just make sure you understand how the top will be cut from the slab and then assembled on the counter. Have the installer show you how they plan to cut the slab and how they plan to position the pieces so there are no surprises.

@jpru thanks so much! That makes a lot of sense and similar to what I was thinking about trying to avoid a seam in the corner. Our L shaped kitchen layout is very similar and looks about the same size, just reversed. Meaning when standing at the sink, the dishwasher is to the right at the end of the counter. And then to the left is the stove in the middle of the other leg of the L. And, yes, will be looking for a very quiet backsplash. Any my cabinets are natural white oak so no color clashing there I hope.

Your stone is gorgeous by the way.

Best!

You already have the important basics from Patricia and a good photo. Be an involved, interested client. Ask questions! Let them know the direction of the pattern is critical. Ask where the one seam will be. Consider the sink area as that is the least obvious with a spectacular pattern.

What a gorgeous stone!

Our peninsula is small and we opted to put seam at the sink

Beautiful stone! Thanks

Many months later I just wanted to respond that I am loving my Aurora Blue quartzite leathered countertops! They are "soft" to the touch, tough as nails, don't stain, and are beautiful to look at. We placed the seam behind the sink, similar to what @jpru described in order to avoid a corner seam and change of direction of striation. I worked very closely with them when templating/installing to figure out how to minimize the seam, match the two slabs and to get all the striations in the correct direction. I highly recommend this stone for those who are seeking this look.

Your countertop is truly the star of your kitchen. I'm so happy to hear that owning it and cooking with it is easy. Enjoy!

They're stunning and so are your cabinets