I certainly don't mind the look of it. It could be good as flooring, maybe? It makes me think of the floors of my old school gym! But as a kitchen counter? I'd be constantly thinking about how notoriously dirty money is, as I prepared dinner on it. Bleagh!

put it in some hip bank, or maybe a horribly expensive lawyer's lobby. Not my kitchen though.

I agree with kvh - this would be awesome in a bank! As counters and/or as floors.