There are many out there that have seen a little soapstone sculpture or figurine. Maybe they brought one back from the Orient, or India. They know that these little stone sculpture are very soft and wonder how this material can be hard enough for a counter-top. The truth is that all natural stones have different levels of softness within each family of stone. Yes, of course, the soapstone that these carvings are made from are too soft and from a different variety of soapstone all together. The truth is that sculpting soapstone has more talc mineral in it than the stone used for counter-tops. The soapstone used for counter-tops has just enough talc to make it soft to the touch, but definitely hard enough for your counter-top. The mineral content of soapstone is what makes it special and so great for a kitchen or bath. When you put soapstone in your kitchen or bath you put a piece of history and practicality on your counter. Not your everyday counter-top!