Cooks and bakers prize soapstone for its smooth dense surface which is soft to the touch and ideal for rolling pastries. Incorporating a soapstone sink into a soapstone countertop creates a look that is at once classic and clean. Soapstone is also chemically inert, non-reactive to harsh chemicals, and extremely heat stable. Cooks enjoy the ability to set hot pans directly on the surface. It is extremely dense, even more dense than granite. It will not stain, and liquid cannot permeate its surface. However, soapstone is soft and scratches easily. These scratches will create a patina on the stone’s surface over time and should be expected with everyday wear. Soapstone will naturally darken over time, although most industry professionals advise using mineral oil to hasten the darkening to make it more even in appearance in the meantime.