if so, is there a specific type of concrete or mixture, was a form of wood, was a success and it was worth the hassle?

fine magazine Residential building No. 146, May 2002 had a excellent article on concrete countertops. and Taunton Press published a book on the subject. Both publications list of sources for things like reinforcing fibers, stains and pigments water reducers and plasticizers, as well as detailed instructions and composition of revenues.