NKBA forecasts are based on polling responses from industry professionals, and 78% of designers, contractors, and manufacturers said they'd consider using quartz in their kitchen projects over other materials. This was far ahead of granite, which only 43% of respondents expected to use. Ranked based on the responses, granite fell all the way to third place behind quartz and quartz's cousin, quartzite. This is quite the change, because for years natural stone countertops, including granite and marble, were considered the supreme.
If you're looking for a countertop option that is both beautiful and sustainable, you may be surprised to learn about one that comes straight from the volcanic ranges of France and Italy: lava stone. Volcanic rock, though perhaps an unlikely material for modern kitchens, is rising in popularity due to its unique beauty with all its natural imperfections, including natural cracks and striations. But it's also extremely customizable to glaze and fit a range of everyday kitchens, especially those with modern, sleek accents.