GRANITE
Granite countertops are available in rich and elegant textures that can be found in colors ranging from light accents to deep, dark tones. With basic care, granite's polish can last indefinitely.
Hot pots and pans can be placed directly on a granite surface without causing any damage. When properly sealed, it is also resistant to stains and is easily cleaned.
Because granite is a natural product, no two pieces are identical. Slabs of granite vary in colors, patterns and textures.
For daily cleaning, granite countertops can be wiped with a soft cloth or paper towel and soapy water.
Whether you plan to sell your home soon or not, you can increase the value of your home with granite.
MARBLE
Is there anything that looks and feels more glamorous than a marble countertop? Peerless in terms of its luminescence and distinctive veining, it's an ultra-traditional choice.
Nothing beats marble for sheer elegance. It stands up to heat well, and because it remains perennially cool, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations (read: Dough won't get too soft).
Marble is used primarily in other settings than the kitchen as countertops. Marble was the favored stone of artists and sculptors in ancient Greece and Rome because of its durability and waxy look due to its low index of refraction. Nowadays in construction, it is primarily used in bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, hearts, and tile stone. Marble's elegance and beauty gives any home an appealing quality.
QUARTZ
One of the main issues that you encounter with other types of natural stone is that their shade and pattern varies a lot. Quartz countertops do not have this problem. Their color and appearance is consistent all the way through. This leads to the next point.
Quartz countertops have a consistent color throughout, so their seams are much less visible.
Quartz countertops are non-porous, so you never have to worry about common materials that will cause a stain.
Quartz countertops are resistant to scratches. There are only three minerals that are harder than quartz. These minerals include topaz, sapphire, and diamond. Since this material is so hard, your quartz countertops will rarely get scratched by a stray.
Also quartz countertops are much stronger, so they won't likely become damaged during installation or transportation.
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is nonporous. It comes out of the ground that way. There is actually no known sealer for soapstone (mineral oil and wax do not seal soapstone). In order for stains, bacteria and germs to harbor on a countertop, they would need pores to grow in.
Soapstone can be cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasives. It is true that soapstone can be softer than most natural stones. This does make it more susceptible to scratching and chipping. However, it is very easy to fix. Depending on the damage, it can be sand out with ease using sandpaper or steel wool. Depending on the stone chosen most scratches will actually blend into the countertop due to characteristics of the soapstone. More severe chips or scratches can be easily fixed as well with epoxy.
Many people know that soapstone may need monthly maintenance to enhance it using mineral oil. Using mineral oil helps darken the stone faster and isn't a requirement, more of a personal preference. The applications will get less over time because soapstone will darken itself.