The OP’s speculation about cremation making a dent in the granite industry is mistaken. Don’t forget, the baby-boom generation is moving through the population, like a rat through a snake. We are now retiring and :eek: dying. The death industry will be a hot sector for the next 20 years, at least. Even though more of us are choosing cremation, there is still increased demand for caskets and headstones
[QUOTE=rocking chair]
granite, esp. polish granite became popular because it is fairly indestructable. you can put a hot dish on it without a trivit. it laughes at cold dishes. polished it doesn’t soak up or in liquids. no worries, no fuss, easy clean up with a paper towel. …
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Woo hoo! Laughing countertops! 
I wish I’d gone for granite tops.