A key element to making a kitchen both elegant and functional is a great countertop. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the number one choice for surfaces and countertops.

However, people are moving away from shiny granite and going for matte finishes such as soapstone and slate in kitchen countertops, says Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail, CO. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel. While it can easily scratch, soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. A new smooth and durable countertop material on the market may provide an alternative: Jerusalem stone resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft and therefore not as susceptible to stains.