I'm just cheap.

I was told that by a stone store who had no particular thing to gain by saying that, so I believed him. We wound up using stainless steel and have used it again when we did this kitchen.

I know the look you're trying for, but be wary of such unusual materials. Coffee (all food, for that matter) is acidic. I think onyx is essentially a type of limestone. Acid and lime do not get along well.

Again, I have no first hand experience with onyx, but did look into it.

I specifically asked about coffee when I asked the kitchen designer about the onyx. She said that shouldn't be a problem as long as it is properly sealed. I wouldn't have it in the real kitchen area, I'm leaning towards soapstone for those counter tops. I want to use the green onyx with the brown and white veins.

Soft usually means easy to stain as far as I remember.

No heat sensitivity. It develops a patina from use. It has a soft, buttery feel, and it can be refinished.

when I would receive them in shipping, they often had chips.

I will look into the soapstone as my kitchen project evolves. Hubby is adamant in his dislike for stainless.

according to a designer friend of mine.

She gave me the good advice "to not go with anything glossy or too busy. There's already too much going on in any kitchen, the counter top is one of the few places your eye can rest."

Thought I would pass it on.