There is no question the most popular natural stone countertops are granite and there are important reasons why this is true. Granite countertops are easily cleaned with mild soap and warm water. They are also resistant to scratches or stains as long as they are sealed properly on a regular basis. Sealing also makes granite resistant to mold and bacteria, making it a safer option in your kitchen than other types of counters. You should use cutting boards, not to protect the surface of the counters, but to keep from damaging your knives. You should also use trivets and hot pads under hot pans to prevent grit from the bottom of the pan from scratching the counter.