You need to show photos of the kitchen and the slab you are considering ...

^^ What she said.

It’s so crazy that I can’t figure out how to put the photos on there. I don’t usually have this much trouble lol

Posting from a laptop / desktop, first image below (images are on that machine.) Posting from your phone, second image (images are on your phone.) Sometimes Houzz gets flaky and the icons don't show up, and you need to try later. Images have to be .png or .jpg; PDFs won't work.

Taj is popular. It can come in a range of grades. Look at all grades.

Thank you, everyone I figured out how to post pictures. How do you know what grade it is?

I’m going to change the backsplash and change the shape of the island

I’m going to change the shape of this island to something more rectangular and put a downdraft induction cooktop in the island

With the change in the island shape, you’ll also be changing the floor? what are your plans for that material?

We are not changing the floor, we’re going to do a black base for the island. I’m open to suggestions, the crown molding has a strip of black in it.

We are also removing the microwave and probably putting glass shelves in that area

Grading is explaned by ai with more explanation about color consistency, mineral impurities, background clarity and structural integrity. Viewing a number of different slabs in your area and taking pictures for study is a good idea. You then use the pictures topiece choose by figuring the cutting layout for your spaces. Veins especially at corners and piece joins , movement and impact. This gets ok'd with the fabricator written signoff before work begins. It gets checked by you before anything leaves his shop. No surprises for this expensive purchase. You have to be involved.

Thank you, we will be very involved because I waited a long time for this.

not a pro but am not sure how the Taj will look with the flooring - does the tile lean a bit pink? i think the tile is a bossy element in the space and I would go with a much simpler counter (solid quartz, soapstone etc)

The floor definitely does not lean pink. We cannot replace because it goes to the whole downstairs except for the living room and batt has a greenish cast to it which has Brazilian cherry.

This site is frustrating. You cannot edit comments. Anyway, Brazilian cherry in our living room and dining room. The Taj has a greenish cast to it.

Quartzite is harder than granite. It uses more of the expensive diamond cutting tools. We've seen fabricators use worn cutters to produce jagged edges that show at seams where two pieces meet. They try to fill with color matched epoxy. And it doesn't wholly work visually. Ask about and look at the cuts. To edit on your phone click the three dots at the bottom right of your post to get an edit choice.

FYI, can’t edit from an iPad.

FWIW If you use Houzz in the browser but not the app it works on an ipad

The slab looks to have quite a bit of filler in the close-up photo.

The yellow stuff in the cracks/fissures.

If it is all over the slab, I would keep looking for other slabs.

Slab warehouses have the worst lighting, so before you put down your credit card, make sure they take the slabs you are considering outside, to see in natural light. Also make sure to have your floor tile and cabinet door samples to compare outside.

I've never had a slab yard refuse to take a slab outside, in two different states, so don't buy from them if they refuse.

Not loving the slab and tile sample in your photo. Photos can distort colors, so you'll have to make your own in person decision.

I have used Taj Mahal in two kitchens, fireplace and an outdoor kitchen and would not pair it with that style/color of floor tile.

Chispa, how do I know if it’s filler? I thought they were gold veins running through it. You’re a good suggestion to have them taken outside. I’m working with MSI so I’m sure they’re reputable. Would they have to tell me if it’s filler? Yes the color is very distorted. Has a lot of light green in it. The tile has a touch of light green in it also. unfortunately, we can’t replace the floor. They pretty much goes through the whole downstairs of our home and we have Brazilian cherry and dining and living room. I appreciate any other advice you could give!

You mentioned changing the shape of the island and not changing the floor. Will the new island shape and placement cover all the floor space where the current island is? It's something to be aware of, because you'll need extra matching tiles if there's a gap to fill.

MSI is a large company, but many of the complaints we see on these forums about slabs/fabricators are with MSI showrooms all over the country. Buyer beware!

No they don't have to tell you it is filler ... you can see it in the photo, so it isn't like they are trying to hide something.

You need to ask specifically for disclosures is this case.

Thank you everyone, you have given me lots to ruminate on.