Porosity decides everything
Marble and limestone are acid-sensitive: a lemon, a glass of wine, vinegar leave a dull mark — an etch, not a stain. No product removes it; only refinishing does.
Granite and quartzite resist acids and scratch very little. They are the only ones truly suited to a heavily used kitchen worktop.
Travertine is naturally pitted, filled or unfilled depending on finish. Unfilled, it holds everything.
Finish changes perception
Polished reflects, darkens colour, shows fingerprints. Honed or matt absorbs light and forgives scratches, but stains faster because the pores are open. Brushed gives relief to the touch — and touch precedes sight.
The question to ask before buying is not "does it stain?" — everything stains — but "will I be able to live with the marks?". Stone marked by ten years of use is beautiful to some people and unbearable to others. That is not a technical question.
Real upkeep
No acidic products, no vinegar, no limescale remover on limestone or marble. Neutral soap, soft cloth. A sealer applied on installation and renewed every two or three years reduces absorption without preventing patina.
Where to put it
Marble belongs in a bathroom, on a coffee table, as a splashback — anywhere use is gentle. On a kitchen worktop you must either love marks or choose granite.
our piece on sensory design sets stone among the materials that age well.