Definitely the top one!

IMO honed stone just asks to stain open pores hold onyo to grease and stains

I'm going to warn you away from honed. With Taj Mahal quartzite, you want polished.

I was just in the market for Taj Mahal and Perla Venata. I ended up walking away from it because they are so popular that there is a 30% upcharge. It's a case of supply and demand. There is limited supply and there is a lot of demand. Thus, it's really expensive compared to everything else out there. Just an FYI for you.

My trick for looking at the slabs is to put my finger across horizontally on the upper and lower third of the slab. Look at that small portion. That's how you are going to see your countertops, as thirds. That is unless you are using a single slab for an island. If found this helpful. After that, it's entirely a matter of personal taste. You won't be wrong picking either one.

Not a pro but I love the 2nd one because of the wonderful flow of the veining.

I love the top slab.... I like the randomness of the flow and pattern. My slabs are similar and it can make seams easier to look random.

Not sure about honed, by I have leathered Taj and it's wonderful. Super easy to keep clean, doesn't stain and has an organic texture that screams natural stone. If your kitchen is modern? Probably polished is more appropriate... but traditional, honed/leathered would be great.

Either way... Taj is gorgeous.. if not pricey. It's my favorite choice of our major ($$$) kitchen remodel.

Good Luck!

Gusman

#2 for sure! I love the diagonal lines in it. More unique

Do you only need one slab? You do realize if you need more than one slab you need to choose all the slabs needed at one time .

If you have a good fabricator who understands layout, I think the second one could really be amazing if done right. Someone with an eye who understands how to work with the movement in that stone would make it pop in your kitchen.

Layout your cuts. And setup good communication and inspection with the fabricator.

I would also pick #1.

Honestly when installed horizontally you won't see much of a difference between them unless you are right in front of the counter and only concentrating on the pattern.

Thanks everyone. They are both beautiful. I am working with a good fabricator. I already have another rather busy feature in my kitchen. That is why I'm considering going with the slabs that have more subtle veining. @Patricia Colwell Consulting Thank you, yes I understand that. I need 3 slabs and I have seen them.

Oh gosh they are both beautiful, I don't think you could go wrong with either.