I have Old Dominion. It's soft but I'm happy with my choice. My installers, VASoapstone were wonderful. Here's a link to the quarry's site http://soapstoneventures.com/alberenesoapstone/alberenesoapstone/flavors.html and here's my installer's link. Email them! They are happy to answer your questions. Here is a link that might be useful: VASoapstone

Julie- We are located in western Loudoun Co. and we are considering soapstone as well. We are looking at having Bucks County Soapstone in Perkasie, PA build us a sink, and fabricate and install countertops and a beaded backsplash in our new construction kitchen in September. We visited their showroom on a family trip about a month ago and loved everything we saw. Bucks County offers unique finishing techinques that no other fabricators that I have researched are offering. They offer a "Franklin edge" for countertops that is softer looking than a traditional edge and gives the appearance of being worn over time. They also use the same technology to offer a "scooped" edge on their slant front sinks, and can also provide a recessed drainboard that looks worn in, in addition to the runnels that you see more frequently. They offer other unique carving/engraving services as well. Scott does have a minimum dollar figure for it to be worthwhile to have his people make the trip twice, once for templating and once for install. He also offered to fabricate from drawings and to package the stone for DIY pickup. After seeing the lovely work that they do, we're willing to consider having him come do the install. I know that you asked for more local sources of soapstone than Bucks County is, but I thought I would mention what we are doing, on the chance that you would want to have them do your install on the same trip as ours. I'm sure it would save us both money. Something to consider, anyway. They are about three and a half hours away from Purcellville, VA. Best of luck with your kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: Bucks County Soapstone

Here is a thread that I have bookmarked that might be a good read for you Here is a link that might be useful: pacific nw soapstone thread from Feb 08

Congratulations Lyn! I'm not in the market for Soapstone, but I know there is a sizable MI contingent on GW and someone will certainly find the information helpful. Your stone does look very pretty. Would love to see the rest of the kitchen.