Stone Selection · Countertop Product Characteristics
Compare natural stone, side by side.
Quick Answer
- Our chart rates six natural stone countertops from 1 (Poor) to 5 (Outstanding).
- Granite and hard quartzite score highest for durability, scratch and chip resistance, and ease of maintenance.
- Soft quartzite and marble offer elegant veining, with marble needing more care.
- Soapstone is the only stone here that does not require sealing.
- Limestone rates lowest for durability.
Reading the Chart
How to read this chart
Each column is a stone and each row is a feature. Ratings run from 5 (Outstanding) to 1 (Poor), so a higher number is always better. Three rows are worth a closer look.
Choosing an edge too? See our countertop edge profiles.
- Repair Ability
- A higher number means chips or scratches are easier to fix.
- Non Porous
- A higher number means the stone absorbs less moisture.
- Renewable Surface
- A higher number means the surface is easier to refresh.
The Chart
Compare natural stone countertops side by side
See how the top six countertop materials rate on durability, maintenance, warranty and more.
| Attribute | GraniteSealed | Hard QuartziteSealed | Soft QuartziteSealed | MarbleSealed | SoapstoneUnsealed | LimestoneSealed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Scratch Resistant | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Stain Resistant | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Chip Resistant | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Heat Resistant | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Household Chemical Resistant | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Easy to Maintain | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Repair Ability | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Non Porous (Will Not Absorb Moisture) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 1 |
| Renewable Surface | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Requires Periodic Sealing | Varies (test first) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Inquire | Inquire | Inquire | No | No | No |
| Description | Due to its impressive strength, granite is commonly known for its durability to wear and tear. In its natural form, granite is one of the most non-absorbent, stain-resistant materials. This stone is affordable and offers a wide range of color options and patterns. | Hard quartzite is a natural stone that offers durability and a wide range of colors to choose from. This stone is a great alternative to marble or granite with a luxurious appearance. | Soft quartzite often features veins and a complex color pattern similar to marble. Very dense and hard to scratch, this stone is well suited to busy rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. | Marble is a metamorphic stone that played a key role in the classical architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome, and it remains a significant element in today’s design world. With its beautiful veining, marble makes an elegant design option. | Soapstone is a soft, luxurious gray stone that darkens over time. Highly resistant to heat and to common kitchen acids like lemon juice and vinegar, soapstone makes a great kitchen countertop. | Limestone is a sedimentary stone with a full range of unique colors. Its deluxe appearance makes it a popular installation for kitchens and bathrooms. |
Rating scale: Outstanding (5), Above Average (4), Average (3), Below Average (2), and Poor (1). Highlighted cells mark the top rating in each row. On a phone, swipe the chart sideways to see every stone.
Choose Your Stone
Which countertop is best for you?
Quick summaries of each material, what it suits, and what the chart says about it.
Granite
Granite
- Best for
- Busy kitchens, outdoor kitchens, widest color range.
- What the chart says
- 5 for durability, scratch, stain and chip resistance and ease of maintenance; hardest to repair (1).
Quartzite
Hard quartzite
- Best for
- Marble-like veining with granite-like durability.
- What the chart says
- 5 for durability, scratch and chip resistance, and maintenance; 4 for stains and heat; needs periodic sealing.
Quartzite
Soft quartzite
- Best for
- Veined, marble-like looks in kitchens and baths.
- What the chart says
- 4 for durability, scratch, heat and maintenance; 3 for stains and chips; needs periodic sealing.
Marble
Marble
- Best for
- Baking stations, powder rooms, classic luxury.
- What the chart says
- 1 for stains (tied lowest), 2 for household chemicals, 3 for durability and maintenance; needs periodic sealing.
Soapstone
Soapstone
- Best for
- Kitchens; a soft gray stone that darkens over time.
- What the chart says
- 5 for non porous and renewable surface; 3 for repair (highest); 4 for heat, stains and chemicals; 2 for scratches and chips; no sealing.
Limestone
Limestone
- Best for
- Lighter-use surfaces such as a backsplash, or homeowners comfortable with extra care.
- What the chart says
- Lowest overall (mostly 2; 1 for stains, porosity and repair); needs periodic sealing; acidic foods and cleaners can etch it.
The Short Answer
Top Picks by Feature
The short answer, feature by feature.
- Durability, scratch, chip, maintenance
- Granite and hard quartzite (5)
- Most stain resistant
- Granite (5); hard quartzite and soapstone follow (4)
- Most heat resistant
- Granite, hard quartzite, soft quartzite and soapstone (4). No stone in the chart rates 5.
- Least porous
- Soapstone (5)
- Easiest to repair and renew
- Soapstone (Repair Ability 3, Renewable Surface 5)
- No sealing required
- Soapstone
Care & Sealing
Sealing: what the chart means for your countertops
Varies · Test First
Granite
Sealing helps protect granite from water- and oil-based stains. How often it needs resealing depends on the stone’s absorbency, existing treatment, use, and sealer instructions. The Natural Stone Institute notes that some granite countertops do not need sealing, while others benefit from it.
The test: leave a wet paper towel on the surface for 10 minutes, remove it, wipe the spot dry, and wait about 10 minutes. If the stone is still darker, it has absorbed water and may need sealing. When needed, use a penetrating sealer that repels both water and oil.
No Sealing
Soapstone
Natural soapstone is nonporous and does not require sealing. Mineral oil or soapstone-specific wax is optional and helps darken the surface and create a more even patina; it is not necessary for stain protection.
Leave soapstone untreated if you prefer its natural appearance, or reapply oil or wax when the darker color fades, following the product’s instructions.
Periodic Sealing
Quartzite, Marble and Limestone
Our chart lists hard quartzite, soft quartzite, marble and limestone as requiring periodic sealing. Ask our team which sealer fits your slab.
Browse sealers and enhancersFour Steps
Next steps in the stone selection process
- 01
Our Countertop Selection
Compare every material, including onyx and prefabricated.
- 02
Choosing Countertops
Choose a stone in four questions: location, workload, look, care.
- 03
Countertop Edge Profiles
Pick your edge after your slab.
- 04
Our Countertop Process
See the whole project in six steps.
Onyx, translucent or prefab?This chart covers six natural stones. We also carry onyx, translucent stone for backlit pieces, and prefabricated countertops. Our Countertop Selection page compares them alongside the stones above.
Related readingMarble Countertops: Pros, Cons and Care Guide; Is Quartzite the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?; Benefits of Soapstone
Walk the Yard
Ratings narrow the field. The slab decides.
Every natural stone slab is unique. Walk our yards, compare full slabs side by side, and tag the exact slab your countertop will be cut from. Walk-ins are welcome; scheduling ahead means a stone expert can walk the yard with you. San Marcos is our largest yard, with 10,000+ slabs.
North County
San Marcos Slab Yard
135 N Pacific Street, Suites A & D, San Marcos, CA 92069 (760) 744-7415Questions