How durable is soapstone?  Soapstone is a metamorphic rock composed mostly of talc, which makes it relatively soft among other natural stones.  Some people think soapstone feels similar to soap when touched, hence the name!  Although soapstone scratches quite easily, it is heat-resistant and quite impact resistant.  Soapstone is a very dense stone, making it virtually non-porous; however, the surface of the stone naturally darkens with time due to oxidization.  To avoid uneven darkening, we often coat soapstone with a mineral oil to create an even, darkened look.  Otherwise, any type of liquid will darken the stone and leave it with visible spots in some areas.  Many people don’t mind this look and feel that it adds to the natural look of the counter, along with the natural scratches that will occur.  For farmhouse kitchens or kitchens with a rustic style, this type of aged, natural look adds to the rustic charm of the space.  Soapstone slabs tend to be found in shades of grey, black, and green with some thin, light streaks.  The pattern of the stone tends to be subtle and fairly consistent.  Soapstone slabs are available in a honed/matte finish.  Browse our full inventory of soapstone slabs online.