Learn About Countertop Surfaces
Countertops Selection: Compare Granite, Quartzite, Marble and More
Discover sophisticated and stylish materials for your next project with our large selection of slab and countertop options. Choose from a number of natural stones like granite, marble, onyx, and quartzite in addition to prefabricated slabs.
- 8Materials Compared
- 3Finishes
- 2San Diego County Slab Yards
- 10,000+Slabs in San Marcos
Start Here
Select Your Countertops
Utilize our helpful Countertop Product Characteristics Chart to conveniently compare features side-by-side.
Brazilian Exotic Granite is a direct importer of natural stone with two slab yards in San Diego County: San Diego (Miramar) and San Marcos. Instead of choosing from a small sample, you walk the yard, compare full slabs side by side, and tag the exact slab your countertop will be cut from.
Ready to see the real thing? Call San Diego (858) 530-3030 or San Marcos (760) 744-7415.
Quick Answer
Which countertop is right for you?
- Toughest for busy kitchens: granite or hard quartzite, both rated 5 out of 5 for durability on our chart.
- Marble look with more strength: quartzite.
- Classic veining, more upkeep: marble, which can stain and etch.
- Bold or backlit statement: onyx, for low-traffic surfaces.
- Lower cost, faster install: prefabricated slabs.
- No sealing needed: natural soapstone.
- See full slabs in San Diego (858) 530-3030 or San Marcos (760) 744-7415.
At a Glance
Countertop Materials Compared at a Glance
Use this table to narrow your options before you visit. Ratings use the scale from our Countertop Product Characteristics Chart:
- 5Outstanding
- 4Above Average
- 3Average
- 2Below Average
- 1Poor
| Material | Type | Durability | Scratch resistance | Stain resistance | Chip resistance | Heat resistance | Easy to maintain | Needs periodic sealing? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | Natural (igneous) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | Varies by stone (try the wet paper towel test) | Busy kitchens, outdoor kitchens, widest color range |
| Hard quartzite | Natural (metamorphic) | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | Yes | Marble-like veining with granite-like durability |
| Soft quartzite | Natural (metamorphic) | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | Yes | Veined, marble-like looks in kitchens and baths |
| Marble | Natural (metamorphic) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Yes | Baking stations, powder rooms, classic luxury |
| Soapstone | Natural | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | No. Natural soapstone is nonporous; mineral oil or wax is optional for color | Kitchens; our chart notes it is highly resistant to heat and to common kitchen acids |
| Limestone | Natural (sedimentary) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Yes | Soft, deluxe look in kitchens and baths |
| Onyx | Natural (translucent) | Not rated | Scratches easily | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Low | Yes, polish and seal regularly | Bar tops, feature walls, backlit pieces |
| Prefabricated | Pre-cut natural stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Same as stone | Budget projects, rentals, vanities, quick installs |
Swipe sideways to see every column →
Source: Brazilian Exotic Granite Countertop Product Characteristics Chart. Onyx and prefabricated rows summarize the descriptions on this page and our Countertops Guide; they are not part of the numeric chart. Granite sealing guidance: Natural Stone Institute. Natural soapstone is nonporous and does not require sealing. The full chart also rates chemical resistance, repairability, porosity, and renewability.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Want to see everything we carry? Browse all countertop slabs.
Narrowed it down? Schedule your visit and one of our stone experts will walk the yard with you.
Before You Choose
How to Choose the Right Countertop in 4 Questions
Q1 · Location
Where is it going?
A kitchen island or perimeter counter sees more daily wear than a powder-room vanity. Outdoor kitchens and fireplace surrounds need materials built for sun and temperature swings.
Q2 · Workload
How hard will it work?
If you cook daily or often set down hot pans, durability and heat resistance matter more than in a low-traffic bath.
Q3 · Aesthetic
What look are you after?
Bold veining, a subtle speckled texture, or a soft glow when backlit are very different looks, and different stones deliver each one.
Q4 · Care
How much maintenance do you want?
Some stones need periodic sealing and are more sensitive to acidic spills than others.
For a deeper walkthrough, see our Countertops Guide.
The Catalog
Material by material
What each stone looks like, how it holds up, and where it works best. Every entry links to the slabs we have in the yard.
Igneous Stone
Granite Countertops
Granite is a popular natural stone countertop because of its stunning style, extraordinary durability, and lower porosity. This crystallized rock comes in whites to blacks and colorful shades in-between and features patterns from coarse grains to wavy veins. Many granite types don’t need regular sealing, while some require sealing once installed. Visit our granite countertops slab section for more information.
Best forBest for: busy kitchens, outdoor kitchens, and anyone who wants durability with a huge range of color and pattern.
Sealing Granite Countertops
Sealing helps protect granite countertops from water- and oil-based stains. How often granite 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. To check, leave a wet paper towel on the surface for 10 minutes, then remove it, wipe the spot dry, and wait about 10 minutes. If the stone underneath darkens, it has absorbed water and may need resealing. When needed, use a penetrating sealer formulated to repel both water and oil.
Source: Natural Stone Institute, Sealing Natural Stone Countertops. Shop our sealers and enhancers.
Metamorphic Stone
Marble Countertops
Marble is the most recognizable countertop with its glorious veining and classic white backgrounds. However, the natural stone may include various colors and movement from exposure to other minerals. This porous, high-maintenance stone is prone to stains, scratches, and etching, but with proper sealers and appropriate cleaners, marble will keep its natural wonder. Visit our marble countertops slab section for more information.
Best forBest for: baking stations (marble stays naturally cool), powder rooms, and anyone prioritizing classic luxury over low maintenance. Ask about our sealers and enhancers.
Learn more: Marble Countertops: Pros, Cons & Care Guide
Browse marble slabs
Metamorphic Stone
Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a natural stone with shimmering beauty, extreme durability, and immense strength. Even though these quartz minerals were once sandstone, the surface is not the same as man-made quartz. This natural stone features subtle to sweeping veins, comes in neutral or colorful choices, and does require sealing to maintain its beauty. Visit our quartzite countertops slab section for more information.
Best forBest for: homeowners who want marble-like veining with granite-like durability.
Hard Quartzite vs. Soft Quartzite
Our chart rates two kinds of quartzite. Hard quartzite scores 5 out of 5 for durability, scratch resistance, and chip resistance and is a great alternative to marble or granite. Soft quartzite scores 4 for durability and often features veins and a complex color pattern similar to marble; it is still very dense, hard to scratch, and suited to busy kitchens and bathrooms. Both need periodic sealing.
Learn more: Is Quartzite the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?
Browse quartzite slabs
Light-Transmissive
Onyx Countertops
Onyx is a rare beauty that becomes a bold statement, especially when backlit to show off its stunning translucency. This unique natural stone comes in several pastel and swirling patterns. But, the soft, luxurious surface should not see much traffic since it scratches easily and needs to be polished and sealed regularly. Visit our translucent countertops slab section for more information.
Best forBest for: bar tops, feature walls, and illuminated islands rather than everyday work surfaces.
Browse onyx slabs
Factory-Cut
Prefabricated Countertops
Prefabricated slabs are pre-cut countertop materials that offer the same features as granite or marble but in ready-made options. The prefab countertops come in standard sizes with finished edges to help customers save time and money when needing a ready-to-be-installed surface. Visit our prefabricated countertops slab section for more information.
Best forBest for: budget-conscious projects, rentals, vanities, and straightforward kitchen counters without an island. Prefab pieces are sized to fit a standard 26-inch counter depth with a pre-finished edge. Many prefab colors are also available as full slabs for islands and waterfall edges. See current Slab Specials.
Learn more: When to Choose a Prefabricated Countertop
Browse prefabricated countertopsAlso Available
Also Available: Soapstone and Limestone Countertops
Soapstone
Soapstone is a soft, luxurious gray stone that darkens over time. Our chart notes it is highly resistant to heat and to common kitchen acids, which makes it a strong kitchen choice, though it is softer than granite and can scratch, so use cutting boards. Browse soapstone slabs.
Does Soapstone Need Sealing?
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.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary stone with a full range of unique colors and a deluxe appearance that is popular in kitchens and bathrooms. It rates lower for stain and scratch resistance, so plan on sealing and gentle care. Browse limestone slabs.
The Details
Choose Your Finish and Edge
The same stone can look completely different depending on how it’s finished.
- Polishedthe classic glossy, reflective surface that shows off a stone’s color and pattern most vividly.
- Honeda smooth, matte, low-sheen finish popular in contemporary and transitional kitchens.
- Leathera textured, brushed surface with a soft feel and less reflection than polished stone.
After you pick your slab and finish, choose an edge profile, from a clean straight edge to a dramatic waterfall. View our countertop edge profiles.
View Edge ProfilesQuestions
Countertop Selection FAQ
Straight answers on durability, sealing, and how buying from our slab yards works.
What is the most durable countertop material?
Granite and hard quartzite. Both earn our top score, 5 out of 5, for durability, scratch resistance, and chip resistance on our Countertop Product Characteristics Chart. Soft quartzite rates 4, marble and soapstone rate 3, and limestone rates 2.
Should I choose granite or quartzite?
Choose granite for the widest range of colors and the best stain resistance. Choose quartzite for marble-like veining with granite-like toughness. On our chart, granite and hard quartzite both score 5 for durability, and granite scores 5 for stain resistance compared with 4 for hard quartzite.
Is quartzite better than marble for a kitchen?
For most busy kitchens, yes. Hard quartzite scores 5 for durability and scratch resistance on our chart, while marble scores 3 and rates 1 for stain resistance. Marble is still a beautiful choice if you love its veining and are comfortable with sealing and gentle cleaners.
Which countertops need to be sealed?
Quartzite, marble, limestone, and onyx need sealing to keep their beauty. Granite depends on the stone: some granite countertops do not need sealing, while others benefit from it. Natural soapstone is nonporous and does not require sealing.
How can I tell if my granite countertop needs sealing?
Try a 10-minute wet paper towel test. Sealing helps protect granite countertops from water- and oil-based stains. How often granite 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. To check, leave a wet paper towel on the surface for 10 minutes, then remove it, wipe the spot dry, and wait about 10 minutes. If the stone underneath darkens, it has absorbed water and may need resealing. When needed, use a penetrating sealer formulated to repel both water and oil.
What is the best countertop for an outdoor kitchen in San Diego?
Granite and quartzite are our top picks for outdoor kitchens, bars, and pool surrounds. Both stand up to sun, temperature swings, and weather without losing their finish.
Is marble a good choice for a kitchen?
Yes, if you love its veining and accept some care. Marble is porous and can stain, scratch, and etch, so it needs proper sealers and appropriate cleaners. Many homeowners use it for a baking station, since marble stays naturally cool, or in a powder room.
Can I choose the exact slab for my countertop?
Yes. At our San Diego and San Marcos slab yards you walk the aisles, compare full slabs side by side, and tag the exact slab your countertop will be cut from.
Do you sell directly to homeowners?
Yes. Brazilian Exotic Granite is a direct importer and sells straight to the public. Homeowners are welcome to walk the yard and tag their own slabs, and designers, fabricators, and contractors buy here too.
Do you fabricate and install countertops?
No. We supply the slabs, and your fabricator or contractor handles fabrication and installation. If you do not have one yet, ask your BEG associate for our current list of local fabricators familiar with our products.
Are prefabricated countertops cheaper than a custom slab?
Yes. Prefabricated countertops are factory-cut to standard sizes with a pre-finished edge, so they install faster and cost less than a full custom slab. They are a good fit for vanities, rentals, and kitchens without an island.
Which slab yard should I visit, San Diego or San Marcos?
Visit San Diego if you are in the city or south county, or San Marcos for North County and our biggest selection. San Marcos is our largest yard, with 10,000+ slabs. Both yards share the same direct-import pricing and hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, but scheduling a visit guarantees one of our stone experts is available to walk the yard with you.
Ready When You Are
See Full Slabs in San Diego and San Marcos
Natural stone varies from slab to slab, so the best way to choose is to see the full slab in person. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, and scheduling a visit guarantees one of our stone experts is available to walk the yard with you.
San Diego (Miramar)
9483 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126
Mon to Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best for the city of San Diego and south county. We are on Camino Ruiz just off Miramar Road, near I-15 and I-805.
Preview slabs online: Slab Yard Gallery and Project Gallery.
We supply the slabs; fabrication and installation are handled by your fabricator or contractor. Need one? Ask your BEG associate for our current list of local fabricators familiar with our products.