Thanks--I will look into it!

True quartzite isn't going to etch, or stain if you get one of the darker ones. always do your research since stone yards often sell marble as quartzite.

can we see some sort of pic? if you want warmer tones, look into more of a golden Taj Majal quartzite. it's true quartzite and shouldn't give you any issues.

if you want a soapstone look, try the Silestone Eternal Charcoal quartz in the suede finish

I have this same countertop in the gray and it's held up beautifully.

here's your black granite, honed or a satin finish

This was my old granite. can't remember the name (it goes by many)

Something creamier? Typhoon Bordeaux granite

Cambria Fairbourne. this would be pretty w/creamy cabinets.

take a painted door w/you to the stone yard and walk the aisles to see what you like

Beth, I can't thank you enough--I love the photo of the Silestone Eternal Charcoal quartz and think the Cambria might be a good option too.

I like the Eternal charcoal. I think it would also fit the age of the home

it also coms in the polished.

i like the suede finish

here's the fairbourne

this is pretty too

I have had Taj Mahal quartzite and LOVED it. That would be my first choice. With your family needs it would serve you well. I would avoid the charcoal tones simply because everything will show on it. It’s a great look but think about how much “stuff” might sit on counter and you see it and need to constantly clean it. The Taj goes in any style. You will love it.

For black granite, you might consider Negresco (also sold as Nero Mist).

Having everything show might be an advantage in a household with the potential issues the OP described.

One thing about granite, if someone forgets and sets a hot pan on it, it won't scorch! The very dense dark granites also do not require sealing (although some fabricators may tell you they do). I think that Virginia Mist honed looks pretty much like the Silestone Eternal - some slabs will have more or less patterning than the one shown.

"One thing about granite, if someone forgets and sets a hot pan on it, it won't scorch!"

The Natural Stone Institute recommends trivet use for all natural stones. I've seen hot pot marks in natural stone and splits too.

I stand corrected, Joe!

I always use racks or some surface under any hot pots or pans on any countertop. Just good practice.

Soapstone is not capable of "staining".

The soapstone look is consistent with your home’s age. Virginia Mist is lovely too. But you have to want a dark countertop. Th Eternal Charcoal that Beth posted looks wonderful with creamy cabinets.
I am a granite person and used Typhoon Green with my cream cabinets (SW Creamy). It’s hard to find, and so is the creamy-with-caramel Taj Mahal, but see what is available in your area.
ALWAYS keep a cabinet door in your car when you shop for a countertop. There might be something at a stone yard that is perfect and none of us know what color it is.
Cambria has a lot of great choices as well.
Here is my Typhoon Green granite.