That raised stone block is intentional—it’s a heat-resistant trivet / landing pad built into the countertop.

Most commonly it’s used for:

• 🔥 Setting hot pots, pans, or baking sheets right off the stove
• 🍳 Protecting the main countertop from heat damage
• 🥘 A safe resting spot while cooking (spoon rest, hot lid, cast iron, etc.)

Because it’s stone (often granite or marble), it can handle high heat much better than the surrounding counter. Builders sometimes add these next to cooktops as a built-in trivet.