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It all comes down to rarity and demand. Granite rocks with unique patterns or rare colorways like red, purple, and blue are more expensive than traditional designs. Some types of blue granite are extremely rare, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia, driving the price up even further. The most expensive type of all is a unique design called Van Gogh granite. As the name suggests, it sort of looks like a painting. 

The frequency for sealing marble countertops depends on several factors, including the quality and color of the stone, the type of sealant used, and the amount of traffic the surface receives. Marble has a porous surface that requires sealing to maintain its shine and resist scratches. As a general rule, you should seal countertops at least once a year. However, for heavily used surfaces, like those in a busy kitchen or family bathroom, you may need to reseal them every three to six months. Conversely, countertops in a rarely used guest bathroom might only need resealing every few years.

The frequency for sealing granite countertops depends on several factors, including the type of sealant used, the color of the granite, and how heavily the countertops are used. As a general guideline, resealing is often recommended every 12 to 18 months, but some sources suggest it could be as often as every few months or at least once a year.

The type of sealant is a major factor: water-based sealants may need reapplication every six months to a year, while more durable solvent-based sealants can last for five to 10 years. Additionally, factors like heavy kitchen traffic, frequent use of acidic cleaners, and lighter granite colors may require more frequent sealing to prevent staining.

To determine if your countertops need resealing, you can perform a simple water test. Place a few drops of water or a wet paper towel on an inconspicuous area of the granite. After 10 to 15 minutes, check the spot. If the water has beaded up, the seal is still intact. If the water has been absorbed and darkened the stone, it's time to apply a new coat of sealant. You can choose to seal the granite yourself or hire a professional to ensure it's done correctly.

There are many benefits of granite countertops, but it’s not unusual for them to have seams—especially if you’re working with small slabs joined together. Seams are common on larger islands where the installer needs to use more than one granite slab to cover the surface. Luckily, because seams are normal in granite countertops, pros know how to hide them properly, so you’d never know they were there.