Natural granite countertop flaws

I was watching a show on home appraisal last night and they showed an upgraded kitchen, which contained new granite countertops and back splash. Now, I'm a fan of the "granite look" but these counters were seriously over the top. The granite contained thick natural gold streaks that ran threw the slabs and made everything else in the kitchen pale in comparison. The homeowners had actually highlighted these streaks with recessed lighting shining on the granite.
It made me think that not all granite is created equal. A friend of mine even had her granite counter removed and replaced in her new home because there was a natural ribbon running threw one piece. Ironically, a natural stone needs to be unnaturally perfect for it to be aesthetically pleasing to most eyes.
Of course, this is a personal choice. Some people enjoy the flaws of the stone and figure that adds to the beauty. I think the stone in the first picture is much more appealing than the second, where I find the imperfections distracting.