Basalt

We are considering basalt for our kitchen counter top.  It is a dark grayish-black color and quite beautiful. 

I know all stones can etch from acids in foods.  Has anyone ever deliberately etched basalt with a food-safe acid in order to uniformly etch the stone?  What does it look like?  Or, is it better to try and seal it (someone told me NOT to seal it)?  Would one etch and then seal?  Thanks for all replies.

Aviva