Though it is pricy, nothing beats natural stone as a countertop surface for elegance and durability. In addition to the popular granite, marble, and travertine, there are some lesser known but equally elegant stone materials:

Limestone
Countertops made of limestone typically come in a beige color with little crystals that provide visual interest. Some countertops are even embedded with tiny fossils. Limestone has long had a bad reputation for staining and eroding, but if you buy from a reputable dealer you will get a countertop made of dense limestone that is nearly as stain-resistant as granite. As with all stone surfaces, most stains—even red wine—can be removed using an oxygen cleaner.

Soapstone
The subtle, gentle appearance of soapstone has been appreciated for hundreds of years, not just for countertops but sinks as well. It resists stains and damage from acids and even retains heat (making it an excellent sink material). Though strong, it is surprisingly easy to cut with carpentry tools. It is fairly easy to chip or scratch soapstone, but you can usually repair the damage using fine sandpaper and elbow grease. Because it naturally resists bacteria, there is no need to seal soapstone.

Lava Stone
This is a very high-end material, made from volcanic lava stone that is glazed with enamel and then fired in a kiln to produce a glossy surface. The result is as smooth and slick as an enamel cooking pot (see photo at right).

Slate
Available in a wide variety of densities, the slate that is used for countertops is among the densest, but it is still softer than granite and even marble. It comes in shades that include gray, black, green, and rust. Like soapstone, it is soft and susceptible to scratching, but it also can be repaired fairly easily. Slate may be highly polished or left with a matte finish for a rustic look.

Photo courtesy of Pyrolave