I personally would use zinc although I wonder if it makes a difference as to color in your kitchen. Both will "age" if nothing but wiping up is done to them. Check on-line though, as this will help you make a more educated choice. And price would be a consideration, too.

Found a nice article on zinc.

Copper has natural antimicrobial properties. Here's an ideabook about using copper for a countertop. Follow the link under the picture:
Some — but not all — copper alloys have natural antimicrobial properties.

Carolins I did not see a picture or a link relating to copper as island top. Thanks.

@carolins, thanks for that article. I did not know copper was anti microbial! And I live in a state(USA) where copper was once greatly mined.

Oops! Totally didn't read second article. Those countertops are gorgeous.

I didn't know it, until someone on Houzz posted a renovated kitchen with a copper countertop. I thought it was beautiful, so did a tiny bit of research.

We have a lot of copper pieces in our kitchen and it looks gorgeous against our cobalt blue walls.

Sounds so pretty, chookchook! Nice to have something different going on in ones decorating scheme.

I want to the Houzz copper sinks idea book and loved it. Thank you unwantedadvice, we are certainly different in our house, but that blue will be hot in2014. I watered it down and got a lovely translucent colour but had to use it full strength in work areas, for wear.

@chookchook2, I am confused by your comment. Why will the blue be hot in 2014? And did you water down the blue color? I can be a bit dense on some things, so sorry!

That blue will be very fashionable in 2014. You are certainly not dense, I have read some of your good advice. I picked the colour a few years ago for a ship theme I had planned. Yes I did a translucent effect on two areas that did not have to be hard wearing. Paint is great, you can always paint over it!

chookchook, I thought perhaps that was what you meant about it being fashionable what wasn't sure. Well then you are ahead of an upcoming trend!