The homeowners of this kitchen struggled with material selection because of the husband's severe allergies. He reacted unfavorably to granite sealants, as well as to the resin integral to quartz, engineered stone, and other man-made material. The couple selected soapstone because it is completely natural and needs no chemical treatments. It even cleans up beautifully with their favorite environmentally-friendly household cleaners. Needless to say, they are thrilled with the results. (Now if only they could figure out how to install pollen-free landscaping)