I love the image you used. I'm interested in what readers say as I'm planning on using soapstone and butcherblock for my counters.

Can you share with me what you've heard so far?

Here's an article on soapstone
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/3561803

I used soapstone on a kitchen about 8-9 years ago. The clients love it. It can be refinished to look like new.

I have soapstone on my kitchen countertops and sink. It looked beautiful for about a week! It scratches horribly and only looks good when it's been oiled. But then wipe the counter down once for cleaning and the oil finish is gone and back to resurfacing of ugly scratches. We have only had them for 3 years and now about to replace with quartz or granite for durability. Definitely not recommend!