The smooth, matte color of soapstone makes it desirable. Usually light gray to black, some variants contain white and gray veining.
In addition to being hard, soapstone ranks high on the density scale surpassing both marble and even granite.
Soapstone is chemical-free throughout. Manmade composite countertops may resist grease, wetness, and stains with synthetic bonding agents and PFOAs.
Soapstone is the stuff fireplaces, hearths, and science class lab tables are made of, which is to say it's incredibly heat resistant.
Cooks love soapstone because it doesn’t react to acids, like lemon juice or tomato sauce. Those and other highly acidic foods can discolor or bleach fussier stones.
A quick sanding and oiling can remove minor nicks and scratches.You can do the same thing to reset the stone if its patina starts to look uneven.
Soapstone darkens and develops a natural patina over time. It will change from month to month and develop character over the years.