I think the fact that soapstones are generally charcoal grey with white veining and marble is generally white with grey veining makes them a compliment each other quite well. Also, both are generally more matte and less glossy than granite, so the finishes go well together.

If marble won't work for your island, how about butcher block?

Holligator is right, but that doesn't mean you can't find a granite which will work with your soapstone or vice versa. My soapstone is very green, for instance. You can also get granite in a honed, leather or antique finish which isn't shiny.

Another reason you see that combo is a lot of people are doing a specific kind of traditional look.

Don't be afraid to do something unusual so long as it's functional and looks good.

My I add to this thread? If two different countertops are used in a kitchen, is soapstone better suited for the countertop with a sink or an island which will be the main prep area?

We used luce di luna guartzite (the real stone, not the composite) on our dark stained island. Luce di luna is very light, a pale grayish white with green/gray veins. Originally I wanted marble but couldn't find a slab big enough. We haven't moved in yet so I don't know how well the quartzite will hold up to heavy use but people tell me that quartzite is a very stain resistant stone. Our perimeter cabinets are a dark gray green granite with lighter swirls that the stoneyard called Maritaca Green but we haven't run into that name anywhere else. Originally we had wanted soapstone for the perimeter counters since those cabinets are white but couldn't find a fabricator or a source of stone we were comfortable with. So I guess we have somewhat of the "look" of dark perimeter with a light/white island but without either the soapstone or the marble we originally envisioned.

flseadog, do you have pictures posted anywhere? Sounds beautiful!

Soapstone seems to be popular with people who are renovating old houses and are using other traditional materials such as marble and butchers block. My new soapstone really goes well with with my old pine floor and not-so-smooth plaster walls. (My kitchen is too small for an island so I didn't have that decision).

I would not do a dark granite near soapstone. I think there are several lighter ones that could work.

I have four kids and a messy husband. The marble has not been a problem at all. Each surface has its advantages and drawbacks and both are equally beautiful.

Maureen and I both have old homes-- the soapstone is fantastic next to our old pine floors and on top of our quartersawn oak cabinets-- I'm really, really happy with the choice. I think the marble in our kitchen brightens up the room a bit instead of having a mass of black in the center of the kitchen. (marble island here)

lodalady,

not sure about soapstone vs marble around a sink, but I definitely recommend soapstone near your wall oven and range. soapstone is heat resistant, so you do not need to use trivets-- you can put hot items directly down on it, which you cannot do with marble.

We originally planned to use a pale marble for our island countertop but we could not find a piece large enough (we did not want any seams) so we switched to Ivory Elegance granite. It is creamy with gray and beige in it and compliments the soapstone. Both the soapstone and the granite were from Brazilso we felt that there was a bit of a match there LOL. Our granite has a bit less beige in it then the sample in my photo album. I am actually glad that we did not do the marble now because though I loved the look, I am a lot less concerned about the granite and its durability. Since we may be selling soon, I wanted to keep the countertop looking new. I think that might be one reason people tend to use soapstone and granite - they both generally develop "patinas" and a lived in look which can be very attractive.

Here is a link that might be useful: photo album - in progress