Hi Jkuze! It is soapstone, that we got from a soapstone company in NJ. Soapstone comes in many different colors/appearances. We went there and chose a slab that we liked. This one is pretty dark gray/black with some subtle veining. It looks pretty black in the photo because we had just oiled it, which we do once a month or so.

I really want soapstone but everyone is telling me not to do it because of the durability. What has been your experience? I don't mind scratches. I consider that character. Does it stain? Can you put hot pans from the oven on it?

kplatt I am so sorry I completely forgot to respond to you. Three years in and I still love my soapstone. Yes it does scratch and ding but I like the character and I don't mind sanding and oiling every once in a while. Yes you can put the hottest pan directly from the oven or stove right on the soapstone without a single issue. I love that. I have had some slight water staining around the spigot area but it mostly scrubs out, and a little sanding and oiling works fine there too.