Marble
Also mined from the Earth, marble is found in the oldest layers of the Earth’s crust. Like granite, no two slabs are exactly alike and marble's impurities are what gives it individuality. It is the softest of the natural stone countertops and the most luxurious!
Marble is higher maintenance than granite and quartz... it is not heat resistant, or scratch resistant, or stain resistant... but it SURE IS BEAUTIFUL!
I have personally had a marble island in my heavy use kitchen (with lots of kids and dog), and I would do it again in a heartbeat. You just need to be in the habit of using hot pads, cutting boards, placemats (if used for eating, like mine was), and be diligent in wiping them down after use. We also seal our marble installations and recommend you keep up with sealer maintenance as well. It will not protect it 100%, but it does help. Marble comes in beautiful bright whites, both with gray and brown undertones, and almost every other color imaginable. It is typically the most expensive of the countertop options, but it is a statement piece you won’t regret.