Should you choose Natural Stone for your countertops?

Exploring Granite, Quartzite, Soapstone & Marble

Kamarica Granite

When people start shopping for countertops, the choices usually come down to four categories: natural stone, engineered quartz, porcelain, or solid surface. Each has its perks. At McKenzie Stone & Tile, we’ve worked with them all, and we can tell you that the “best” option isn’t the same for everyone. It really depends on your lifestyle, your design taste, and what you want out of your kitchen or bath for the long haul.

In this article, we’re talking about natural stone. The classics like granite, quartzite, soapstone, and marble. Let’s break down why people love them and a few things worth keeping in mind.

Why Natural Stone Still Wins Hearts

A Look That Can’t Be Copied

Every slab tells its own story. Some granites are dramatic and bold, while others are mild and can fit any design style. Quartzites have this distinctive depth that almost looks 3D, soapstone has a soft, cozy vibe, and marble is, well, marble, timeless and elegant. No two are ever the same, which is why so many homeowners fall in love with them.

Strength That Lasts

Ever heard of the Mohs scale? If not, here's your science lesson of the day! The Mohs scale is a qualitative tool for assessing the scratch hardness of minerals. On the Mohs scale, Quartzite scores a 7 out of 10, making it highly resistant to scratches from everyday use. While granite scores a  6.5 out of 10, it is still considered to be very hard, but slightly more likely to scratch than quartzite. Granite and quartzite, in particular, are tough. They handle heat and resist scratches extremely well. Marble and soapstone, on the other hand, score much lower on the Mohs scale. Marble coming in at a 3-4 and soapstone at a 2.5-3.5.

Ok, that's as much of a science lesson as we're qualified to give you, but don't let these numbers scare you. Just take a little more care of your beautiful countertops, and they will last you a lifetime!

Adds Real Value

There’s a reason natural stone has been considered the “premium choice” for so long. It doesn’t just serve a purpose; it makes a space feel rich and elevated. That matters whether you’re planning to stay forever or eventually sell your home.

How many times have you been looking at home listings that state “Granite Countertops!!”?  This should tell you the importance of a granite or natural stone countertop to the majority of home buyers.

Actual example of a home listing description

Let's Talk About Heat Resistance

Let's start with this: We will always recommend setting your hot pans on a trivet rather than setting them directly on your countertop. However, forget the panic of setting down a warm pan. You don’t have to hold your breath every time something hot hits the counter. Natural stone is much more forgiving with heat than engineered surfaces. Ok, we said we were done with the science lessons, but we're going to throw some more at you. Granite's boiling point is 2,200°F. For reference, lava is roughly 2,000°F. Now that doesn't mean you can pour lava on your granite and be ok… I think this is where we're supposed to insert “Don't try this at home”...

Let’s look at more realistic expectations. If you Google the heat rating of natural stone countertops, it will most likely say “up to 500°F”, and while that is a generally safe expectation, we would never provide a specific temperature that is guaranteed safe for placing items on your granite or natural stone countertop. The reason is that the most vulnerable point isn’t the stone itself, but the sealant. Even relatively low levels of heat can damage the sealant, which compromises both the look and protection of your countertop. We will end with this statement: The heat from typical hot pans, pots, or baking dishes from a stove is unlikely to cause damage to the granite itself.

Think a Scratch or Burn Is the Worst That Can Happen? Think Again

Picture this: your granite countertop is chilling, literally, after a long day. Then—BAM!—you set down a roasting pan fresh from the oven. That sudden clash of hot and cold? It’s called thermal shock, and it can send tiny fractures racing through your natural stone countertops like cracks in ice on a pond. Even the toughest quartzite or marble isn’t completely immune. The hero of this story? A humble trivet or hot pad, protecting your granite, quartzite, or marble countertops so they stay beautiful, strong, and ready for years of family dinners and kitchen adventures.

We would consider thermal shock to be a very rare occurrence, so there’s no need to let it discourage you from choosing natural stone. It’s simply one of those risks worth being aware of.

Things to Know Before You Decide

Maintenance Isn’t a Big Deal – but It Exists

Granite and quartzite usually need sealing, but not nearly as often as people think. We recommend about once every 5-10 years, depending on what cleaners you use. Marble and soapstone are softer, so they can etch or darken, which some folks love for the character and others don’t.

Samples Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Quartzite sample vs. full slab

A 10-inch square doesn’t capture what a whole slab looks like. That’s why we built our Slab Gallery, and we recommend you visit our suppliers' facilities as well, so you can walk through, see the real slabs, and pick the ones that speak to you.

Price Can Surprise You

Granite can be budget-friendly, while exotic quartzites and specialty marbles can get pricey. But here’s the funny thing: sometimes the engineered “look-alikes” cost more than the real thing. We’ve seen Taj Mahal quartzite, for example, priced lower than quartz versions designed to mimic it.

Some Stones React to Everyday Life

Lemon juice on marble can leave a mark, and oil can darken soapstone. That’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s good to know what you’re signing up for.

Who Loves Natural Stone?

• People who want a countertop no one else has

• Homeowners who don’t mind light upkeep (a reseal every 5 to 10 years)

• Those who value a luxury look that may add to their home’s value

• Anyone who loves the idea of a surface that’s been forming in the earth for thousands, if not millions of years

At the end of the day, the “right” countertop is the one that works for you--your style, your routine, your family. That’s why we carry it all: granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, engineered quartz, porcelain, and solid surface.

Come by McKenzie Stone & Tile, explore our Slab Gallery, and see the materials in person. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can feel confident about your choice and love it for years to come!