I wonder if there are different grades of granite or something.
I never had any problems with my granite in 9 years at our old house.
I stood on it, put hot things on it, etc and it never cracked or got discolored or anything.
I once had a small puddle of olive oil sit on it overnight and it cleaned right up the next day.
We also have granite at our new house and I adore it: the depth, the variation, the movement.
I’ve heard soapstone is rather soft but it is indeed attractive. Maybe the softness is part of its look? Sort of like distressed wood?
I never really wanted stainless steel–or a 6 burner cooktop–in our next house, but we do (very long story.) My husband loves it. I am kind of “meh” about it but it has not been nearly as troublesome (fingerprints) as I expected.
I am starting to wonder if stainless steel will be the new white?
It’s never gone out of style in commercial kitchens–but who knows.