What is a soapstone countertop?

Soapstone countertops are ktichen countertop surfaces made from a natural, quarried stone called soapstone. The stone consists mostly of the mineral talc, which makes it much softer than other natural stone countertop options like granite.

Soapstone has a smooth matte feel that is pleasant to the touch, but does require some maintenance. The stone is impervious to etching by acids, unlike marble or concrete countertops, but it is not impervious to scratches and dents. The soft substance makes it easy to repair scratches with some light sanding and simplifies installation, since no special tools are required. A soapstone countertop requires regular oiling and buffing to keep the surface looking its best.