Thanks, trudymom. I miss the hill country--it's time for another trip to Brenham! Actually, I'm one of those that has to see the lot, etc. before making a decision. They are both beautiful and are perfect for the Texas style and should both work with the gray roof, so I think it's one of those decisions where you can't go wrong once you have it down to these two. One is obviously warmer than the other--the lighter (#1) is to me more intriguing, only because I've seen more of the warmer stone. It wasn't until we completed our home that I realized there wasn't necessarily a better or perfect choice! I hope to see photos of your completed home, and good luck.

To me it looks like it's either Granbury chopped or a Lueders chopped. Either way it's a limestone. And depending on which type you get, it has different hardness ratings/colors etc. Price also varies with type cut, flagstone vs chopped vs sawn. It can run anywhere from $7.50/sqft to much much higher to have applied, or $100-$150 per ton, plus labor sand and mortar. A ton will cover approx 40-45 sqft. As compared to brick, it's about twice the cost per sqft. We live in TX, relatively close to the quarries. If you are up north, all bets are off. Here is a link that might be useful: Stone link

I have loved soapstone since I was a little girl and my great grandmother's house built in New England in the 1800s had soapstone in the kitchen. I knew I wanted it for decades before I got to have it. I knew what patina looked like and it's what I'm looking forward to seeing develop in mine. Plus, I like the way my kitchen looks. Put some hard work into creating a look that enhances the house BUT it's a working kitchen  a hard working kitchen  and that's the primary point. I will use soapstone again any time I get the opportunity. Wanted to say that right up front 'cause now I'm going to show you patina happening so anyone making the decision knows what they're choosing and doesn't get disappointed over a major design feature and expense. Here is what my Julia looks like. I love the green. It works with the rest of my design and was a happy surprise because I was expecting black. Here is the significant ding it got when a heavy butter dish fell from the cabinet above and dropped on it. This pic is from where I stand cooking at the range. Here's as close up as I could get (maybe a little too close 'cause the focus isn't good) I am not understanding the problem with the rings. I get some if someone leaves a wet thing sitting for a while. But I give it a scrub with some soap and water on a nylon pad and then wipe with the beeswax soaked cloth I keep under my sink. As for the ding, I suppose I could get it filled with some epoxy and I might when we think about selling. But I'm not going to do it for myself. I wasn't happy when it happened but I always knew these things were going to. And a final thought. I am in an area where soapstone is not in significant use. My GC, the cabinet maker and even the fabricator had never worked with it before. Despite the fact that they see a lot of high-end kitchens (the cabinet maker's next job was a house for Cher) they are really impressed with it. So, I hope I haven't dissuaded you. ...unless it isn't right for you and I could prevent a disappointment.

There are alot of people who really don't like Maurizio, John Bridge, and the guy who used to own this forum (Spike), just to name two. He tends to be an abrasive prima dona in the opinions of many who cross paths with him. But he's got premium products, and you could do alot worse than use his stuff. And just for the record, I've dealt with him personally, as has Stonegirl, and both of us are in the minority-- we've both got alot of respect not only for his products, but also his knowledge of the trade and geology in general. reposado-- I've got to give you credit-- this is the first time someone's come to me with a stone that wasn't listed!! You might try asking Maurizio. His forum is actually on the same sight as those tables. Here is a link that might be useful: findstone.com