Can't answer your wax question, but I have a different perspective. My soapstone counters are 7 or 8 years old. They have developed a nice patina, and I have never treated them with anything (oil or wax).

A few months ago, someone else asked about waxing soapstone. Honestly, I've been on this forum since 2000, and until then I have never hear of wax on soapstone, Oil, yes, never wax. Where did you hear this?

There used to be a popular soapstone wax on this forum back in the day before Houzz. I remember it was mostly beeswax, and sold on eBay by a single mom. Let me see if I can track it down, and I’ll post back. In the meanwhile, Clapham’s is the wax most recommended for soapstone. I also use Clapham’s on my big cutting board, and it has the added bonus of moisturizing my hands when I wax the board.

https://www.amazon.com/Claphams-Beeswax-870-3008-Finish-7-Ounces/dp/B0012XP7LQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=clapham+salad+bowl+wax&qid=1629923700&sprefix=clapham’s&sr=8-3

There have been lots of "to wax or oil" soapstone discussions on this forum. I considered soapstone, so I followed many of those discussions. I think it depends on the type of soapstone you have and how it was finished. Some prefer waxing since it lasts longer, smells nice, less oily to the touch and performs better on some soapstone. Others prefer oil, since it's easier to apply, cheaper, less chance of unsightly water rings forming and you can more easily reverse course if you wish. And then there are others who prefer no oil or wax. I think the waxes are part oil to make it easier to apply.

Here is a waxing soapstone demo: https://youtu.be/oaMI_-7bgbU

I am corrected, I guess I did not follow soapstone suggestions closely. I like Darbuka's comment about it being a living surface with patina.

One tip that cannot be emphasized enough is to use wax or oil on soapstone very sparingly. That is key.

I couldn’t find the beeswax soapstone wax that I mentioned in my comment above. But I did find Florida Joshua’s post that I will link. Oldtimers on this forum will remember Florida Joshua (aka Creative Soapstone) as the best soapstone fabricator on the planet - he has since retired. When he mentions ”Bee’s Oil”, he is talking about Holland Bowl Bee’s Oil (my second link below).

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2695199/what-keeps-soapstone-darker-longer-the-answer

https://www.amazon.com/Bees-Salad-Bowl-Conditioner-Preservative/dp/B001PPE7AS