Black Countertops: Absolute Black Granite vs. Black Soapstone
Black countertops are back in a big way. They look sharp against white cabinets, warm with wood, and easy with a farmhouse sink. If you want black natural stone, two of the most popular choices we install in Virginia are Absolute Black Granite and Black Soapstone. From a few feet away they can look alike. Up close, and over years of cooking, they are very different stones. Here is a plain comparison to help you choose.
The quick answer
- Choose granite, like Absolute Black Granite, if you want a very hard, low-maintenance black surface that stays crisp and uniform for decades.
- Choose soapstone, like Black Soapstone, if you love a soft, matte, old-world look and you do not mind small scratches that can be sanded out.
What each stone is
Absolute Black is a solid, deep black granite with very little pattern. The slabs we use come from India. Granite is very hard, heat resistant and long-lasting, which is why it has been a favorite in Virginia kitchens for years.
Black soapstone is a dense natural stone with a charcoal to green-black color and soft white and gray veins. The slabs we use come from Brazil. It has a smooth, velvety feel that people notice the moment they touch it.
Side-by-side comparison
| Absolute Black Granite | Black Soapstone | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Solid, even black; very little pattern | Charcoal to green-black with soft white or gray veins |
| Feel | Glassy when polished; textured when leathered | Smooth and velvety |
| Scratches | Very hard; resists scratches | Softer; can scratch, but marks can be sanded out |
| Heat | Heat resistant | Handles heat very well |
| Lemon, vinegar, wine | Should not etch | Should not etch |
| Sealing | Reseal every one to two years | No sealing needed (non-porous) |
| Upkeep | Wipe clean; finish choice matters for fingerprints | Optional mineral oil to darken the color |
| Installed price at Granite Vision | $40–$100 per sq ft (granite) | Quoted per project; ask us |
Prices depend on the slab you pick, the edge profile and the number of cutouts. We give you an exact number after we see your layout.
Durability: hard vs. soft
This is the biggest difference. Granite is one of the hardest countertop materials, so knives, pots and everyday wear rarely leave a mark on Absolute Black.
Soapstone is softer than granite. A dropped pan can nick an edge, and you may see light scratches over time. The good news is that small scratches can be sanded out or blended with mineral oil, so you can fix them yourself. Many soapstone owners like the way the surface wears in, a bit like an old farmhouse table.
Stains, sealing and acids
Soapstone is non-porous, so it does not absorb stains and never needs sealing. It is also chemically neutral, so lemon juice and vinegar should not etch it the way they etch marble.
Granite is also a great kitchen stone. We seal it at installation, and we recommend resealing every one to two years. Acidic spills should not etch Absolute Black.
The finish question for black granite
Polished Absolute Black looks stunning, but it shows fingerprints and water spots more than lighter stones. If that bothers you, ask about a leathered or honed finish. Both hide smudges much better while keeping the deep black color.
Want a little texture or sparkle instead of solid black? Compare these:
- Black Pearl Granite: near-black with subtle gray and silver flecks, available polished or leathered.
- Black Galaxy Granite: deep black with gold and copper flecks that sparkle under cabinet lights.
Caring for soapstone
Unoiled soapstone is a lighter gray. Mineral oil darkens it to a deep, even charcoal. Many owners oil it every week or so for the first few months, then much less often. This is for looks only, not protection. Day to day, clean it with mild soap and water and use a cutting board.
Which one is right for you?
Busy family kitchen, lots of cooking
Absolute Black Granite. It is very hard and needs almost no thought day to day. A leathered finish is a smart choice here.
Farmhouse or traditional kitchen with an apron-front sink
Black Soapstone. Its soft veins and matte look fit these kitchens beautifully, especially with white or cream cabinets.
Modern kitchen with clean lines
Either works. Granite gives a crisp, uniform black. If you want the look of black stone in a thinner, very consistent surface, also see Basaltina Nera Porcelain.
See both stones in person
Black stone looks different under showroom lights, daylight and your own kitchen lighting, so we recommend seeing the real slabs. Visit our showrooms in Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg or Charlottesville, or walk our 15,000 sq ft indoor slab yard in Stafford. Since 2014 we have completed more than 17,000 projects. We measure with digital laser templating, cut every piece on our water jet CNC in our own shop, and install 5–7 days after templating with a 1-year workmanship warranty. We also remove your old countertops and reconnect the plumbing.
Request a free estimate and tell us you are comparing black granite and soapstone. Or browse all stone colors.