Other natural stones include slate, soapstone and travertine. 

Slate slabs are fairly durable but can chip easily especially at the edges.  It is also waterproof, so it is a good choice for shower areas. 

Soapstone, like slate, is non-porous and stain-resistant.  It is soft, however, and scratches easily. 

Travertine is a very porous, fine-grained rock with many cavities and holes which are sometimes filled with grouting or resins.  It is best used for floors, walls and fireplace surrounds.

Cultured marble and cultured granite are blends of polyester resin, pigments and fillers mixed and poured into molds which are coated with a gel coat.  The gel coat provides a shiny, durable, non-porous and stain resistant surface. 

Cultured marble and cultured granite provide an elegant, luxurious look with high durability at a lower cost than natural marble and granite.  They are both available in a wide variety of colors.