Sorry but IMO fake plastic stone is never my choice in a kitchen hand drawn fake veins are still fake. Get real soapstone nature's veining so much more interesting and practical

Definitely see a slab in-person before you make a decision.

Not all of us hate quartz, but there are things to be aware of before you say yes to the slab(s) and have them installed.

Or honed granite…

My condo came with solid black granite countertops. You'd better be a neat freak with any countertop that dark. I'm not, but I clean up if someone's coming over.

^^^^ true! My island is honed nightfall which has a lot more movement which covers fingerprints and crumbs. My perimeter is honed absolute black and yes everything shows but it’s the main prep so gets cleaned constantly

If you read the pdf, it warns of acidic cleaners and citric. That would give me pause. No where do I see mention of stain resistance, nor can I find any info on the company. It shouldn't be that hard to find info - when it is - I pass.

Get a hard variety of REAL soapstone, like Belvedere, Anastasia, or Stormy Black. Difficult to scratch and chip. Impervious to anything and everything. Temperature neutral, i.e., no ill effects from heat or cold. Just dish soap and water to clean.

Our soapstone (Belvedere) is nearly 9 years old. Best thing in our kitchen…and, we have a pretty darn nice kitchen.

If you like soapstone, get the real thing.
Mine is essentially maintenance free, and FWIW was less costly than quartz. I love it.

Just get actual soapstone. Not a more delicate fake.

Most quartz styles with veining look so fake, and will probably be "out" shortly.

If you want easy care black granite, go with honed Jet Mist. It's very pretty--black with white swirls that look like powdered sugar sprinkled on it. I have it on my beverage bar and it's my favorite counter top, and I've had laminate, quartz, butcher block and marble.

Here are a couple of photos of honed Jet Mist (AKA Virginia Mist):

countertop materials · More Info

countertop materials · More Info

Thanks, all.

Diana: Thanks for the photos. They’re very helpful, and your counters are lovely. I also have my eye on a beautiful slab of leathered black mist granite …. and haven‘t ruled out soapstone either. Decisions, decisions ….

I have a deep-seated love of Jet Mist (aka Virginia Mist), even though I don't have it. You just can't go wrong with it, it seems to just always look good, pretty much anywhere.

Thanks, mizzk.