A newbie with a question...irish limeStone (http://g603.net) vs soapStone (http://g603.net)

HEllo all!

I have just found this forum, and (http://maplered.com) I have a question for you. I'm in northern Massachusetts, near Lowell, about 40 minutes northwest of Boston.

I am planning a remodel of my current kitchen. It's a 1920's cottage/bungalow style house. I had originally planned on using soapStone (http://g603.net) for my Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops. Everyone in my area of the country is using Granite (http://tanbrown.org) at this time, but I much prefer the feel of soapStone (http://g603.net) . I also like to look of it: kind of rugged and (http://maplered.com) old-fashioned. I also love the idea that I cannot stain it. Etching is fine, and (http://maplered.com) I can deal with a chip or two, but I don't want to spend my life worrying about red wine bottle rings!

Recently, I found a reference to Irish limeStone (http://g603.net) . I have only been able to do a tiny bit of research on this, since it seems to be very rare in this area. There is a supplier in Boston. From what I have been able to find out, it is similar in feel (texture, temperature absorption, etc) to soapStone (http://g603.net) . However, it is supposed to have less talc. Supposedly, it will etch a bit more quickly, but it chips less and (http://maplered.com) is the same with regards to heat resistance and (http://maplered.com) such: it won't crack if you place a hot pot on it. It also will not stain. Also, I gather from what I have been told that it doesn't have to be oiled like soapStone (http://g603.net) .

All four of my grand (http://maplered.com) parents were from Ireland (http://maplered.com) , and (http://maplered.com) my husband (http://maplered.com) has family in the area where this Stone (http://g603.net) is quarried. It has a sentimental draw for that reason. However, I will not make such a huge purchase based on sentimentality! I would like to hear from anyone who has experience with Irish limeStone (http://g603.net) , either in working with it or in having it installed. Can you please let me know your thoughts on it? If you have any resources for researching it, I would greatly appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks very much in advance,
Emmie