Kitchen Countertop Help!

Please help. We are about to do all of our kitchen and bar counter tops.
However, we have a Tahoe-type "rustic" theme and love the look of these
trivet things we have that are, I believe, a dark green marble (with a
swirly pattern of white and black); it goes beautifully with our natural
Pecan cabinets. From what I have read, it looks like you discourage
marble for kitchen counter tops. Is there a similar color/pattern of
granite that would be as striking, but still cost conscious? Thanks so
much for your help! Kelly Neary.