I'm betting it's soapstone, that's what I have too. it's great!

Is the counter top made of soapstone?

I am thinking of using soapstone for all my kitchen counters. I am concerned it may not be durable enough. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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the stone looks like Virginia Mist, very similar to what I have.

Thanks so much, muttimac! How do you find the durability of Virginia Mist?

1eastway: It is supposed to be one of the hardest stones, mined in the U.S. Ask any stone fabricator who will tell you also. The veining is very fun, my son compared it to Mars!

I understand that it is also called Jet Mist and I saw a slab today. It had the leather (or antiqued) finish. I am looking for honed I think. Do you think the one in the photo is honed? love your son's comparison!

Different companies have different names for it I think. Mine is honed and the photo looks like honed too. I have not seen the leather finish in the Virginia Mist but it could be ok too, perhaps more practical even?. Up to you.

Thanks. The leather has a bit of texture to it. I think it looks pretty much like the honed. I was thinking I'd like a smooth finish.

It does wipe off easy when smooth. What I learned so far is that on the almost black you still see everything though, crumbs, etc.. I don't want to discourage you as it is very pretty to look at.

Thanks. Do you have a place to recommend in the Northeast?

No, so sorry. I am in CA, San Francisco Bay Area. I was lucky and found a great fabricator here and a super place for the stones; used Calacatta Oro marble on the island with some great gray and "gold" veining too. Matched the Virginia Mist perfectly). Good luck with your project. I know it takes forever to find just the right stuff.

Thanks for all your help! We used to live in the Bay Area…miss it! Your kitchen sounds gorgeous!

Hi! We've decided to go with the Virginia Mist. :-) Did you have it enhanced or darkened at all?

No, it was offered to me, but I didn't want a dark kitchen and left it natural.

P.S. Hope you love it too.! Congratulations.

I also have the Jet mist (antiqued)...love, love it...1eastway, try PMI in Marlboro, NJ...fantastic selection: http://www.pmirock.com/Locations.aspx

How do you clean your soapstone on a day to day basis? Mine is too shiny

1eastway, it is softer and will scratch but I don't mind that and I love that I can oil it up and make it dark black with the white veins popping or let it "dry" out and have a more burnished look. I've had mine 2.5 years and only oiled it twice. It's a classic and fits the character of our home.

Thank you all for your help with this. I really appreciate it!
akocse, did you have your Jet mist enhanced or darkened?

1eastway, I didn't need it darkened or enhanced. I found a few antiqued slabs that were already very dark naturally....mine looks just as dark as the counters and island above. In fact several people thought it was soapstone.

Sounds beautiful! Thanks so much for letting me know!

1eastway and akocse. I was told the stone I have, Virginia Mist, is a granit and one of the hardest. I have not had any problem with scratches at all and do cut on it sometimes (when I am too lazy to get the board). Mine is about a year old and still beads up the water.

I agree...it does not scratch...looks beautiful and very easy to care for.

Looks similar to a granite we carry at Daltile. Marron Cohiba with a leathered finish.

muttimac and akocse, thanks again for all your feedback. It's been a big help. I am definitely putting it in my kitchen. It's beautiful and durable. There aren't really any other black/dark gray natural surfaces that are, as far as I can tell. So I'm really happy and, with your help, confident! Thanks again!

I live in Northern Ca. Can you tell me where you found your soapstone?

Mine is not soapstone - it is granit and came from Pietra Fina in Hayward, CA. Hope this helps.

This looks kinda like our Mirasol Black! Love... your photos Alison :-) :-)