Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural material with a smooth, slippery-when-wet texture that's due to its high percentage of talcum, the softest mineral out there. Although soapstone feels soft to the touch, it's actually very hard.

Soapstone is also famous for its beautiful lived-in aesthetic. A soapstone counter is the quintessential finishing touch for a modern farmhouse kitchen, though it complements many other design styles as well.

Soapstone Counter Pros

• - With its low maintenance requirements, a soapstone counter is a very cook-friendly choice.
• - Soapstone's soft, matte color is a big reason it's so covetable. You will see it most often on the grayscale, ranging from light gray to black.
• - Soapstone ranks high on the density scale.
• - Soapstone is chemical-free. Because soapstone is mined from the earth, it contains no synthetic chemicals. And unlike other natural stones, soapstone doesn’t require a chemical sealant to protect its surface upon installation or for maintenance. Even though soapstone does not need to be sealed, some people choose to seal their soapstone countertops. This is because sealing can darken the color of soapstone and give it a more uniform look. If you do decide to seal your soapstone, it is recommended to use a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax.
• - 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 other more finicky stones.
• - Soapstone darkens and develops a natural patina over time. It will change from month to month and develop character over the years.