Hi,

This particular soapstone countertop has been oiled repeatedly.

The only way to keep soapstone dark is to apply some sort of coating, otherwise it will default to a light chalky gray color and you lose the definition of any veining, etc. Of course some people love that lighter color so it's all a matter of preference.

You're correct that there are options: oiling, waxing, or applying a chemical sealer. The traditional way is to use mineral oil, which to my mind is the most food-safe as well. The downside is that you have to keep re-applying it regularly, but most of my soapstone people don't seem to mind the maintenance.

Bear in mind that an oiled or otherwise sealed soapstone countertop will camouflage stains far better than an unsealed one, which will show everything that drops on it, especially if it is oily (like mayonnaise, for example).

Thank you for the compliment, the kitchen is not mine but the people who own it do love it!