Soapstone

Soapstone, sometimes called Steatite, is a talc-based natural stone with some unique qualities. Soapstone pulls in heat from a fireplace or stove and will continue to radiate that heat for hours, even after the heat source has been turned off. Also, due to its talc content, acids will not etch it, making Soapstone a great choice for kitchen countertops.

Soapstone is much softer than many other stones, therefore it can scratch, but it can also be sanded and buffed to remove the scratches. In doing this, buffing will create a slight unevenness in the stone, which leads to more of an old-world appeal.