If you search the houzz stories there are articles on each type of counter top that will help. Soapstone is going to need more maintenance than granite if you want to keep a darker, black tone (needs to be oiled). It can also scratch. But it's impervious to heat. Granite can be sealed to prevent staining and is pretty maintenance free otherwise. I know people who put hot pans down on granite but I have also seen that not being recommended as potentially causing a crack.