We are thinking of doing a granite countertop, but how is it for standing up to pounding veal?

I suppose it depends on how tough your veal is, how tender you want it and what you're going to pound it with. Even granite comes in various hardness' so talk to your installer. Better yet ask for a sample large enough to pound on and do your own testing. Even if you can't nick or chip it, keep in mind it will break. Aluminum mallets will leave shiny aluminum flecks on the surface. If they can break diamonds with a mallet, you can do granite with one. RScott