Just guessing here ... perhaps it has something to do with the wax that was used by the supplier? Maybe something is affecting it in the same way that a glass of water will leave a dull white ring on waxed furniture? Have you looked at the label on the wax that was used to see if it has any useful information?

Following up on jellytoast's idea about the white ring in wax, I wonder if you tried a medium-hot iron (with a very thin cloth under it). That's what I have the very best success with when I need to get a white ring out of wood. I don't think the heat of the iron presents any danger to the soapstone, your piece of which is very lovely by the way.

I'd call Green Mountain and ask them.

The stone looks as if it has a coating on it.
The surface appears very waxy looking or if it has been coated.
Call up the folks who applied it and find out what they did.
See if they can correct it.
It is either the wax or a sealer that is etching.
I don't think you will need to refinish the top.
Looks like you will have to remove whatever is on the surface. If your curious try using a single edged razor blade. The straight ones . At an inconspicuous area hold the razor blade at a 45 degree angle and slide it across the surface. Just do a small area and see what comes off the surface. You can cover the bare spot with wax.
Let us know.

The wax was applied at my house by the fabricator and I applied the second coat. The stone was not sealed or coated. I thought it looked like a film of some sort too which is why I tried the Magic eraser but it just left a visible spot where I cleaned with it. Then I thought that whatever caused it just took the wax off the stone but that is not the case.

I will try Green Mountain and see what they say. I may test sand one of the spots but I'm nervous even though I know you can sand soapstone.

Until you talk with them I wouldn't sand it.

Have you tried alcohol on it to see if it dissolves the layer of wax? I'd try that to see what happens. It wont hurt the stone.

I wouldn't sand it -- try some acetone or alcohol and see if it dissolves into a larger 'etched' patch, in which case you can be sure it's the wax coating that is being affected by water or heat or whatever. Then you'd just use the same substance to clean all the wax off.

I think it is just too much wax-you can try acetone or denatured alcohol but not sure it will work.
Works better with wax residues.
I think you will need to strip off wax and reapply a more friendly coating
There is no need to sand your stone-.
Was there an issue that made you apply a second coat of wax?

I sent an email to Green Mountain Soapstone but have not heard from them.

I don't have alcohol in the house but tried acetone just before I left for work this morning. I will check out the spot when I get home.

srosen - how can it be too much wax? The stone has only had 2 applications as per Green Mountains instructions and the last application was January 2012. My thought was something removed the wax which is why I tried a small bit on the spot.

So the thought is that perhaps something reacted with the wax and left this residue? This is the enhancer -

So what would I use on the stone to fully remove the wax ?

I think the acetone would work. I've used acetone on my counters before. Heck it takes off nail polish :)

I don't use anything on my stone because I was unhappy with the water marks that would be left after putting wet things on the counter. I really prefer the naked look anyway.

Hello there.... Did you ever resolve this issue? I think I'm having the same problem :(

having the same issues too. was told to acetone the counters & re-oil. it was better but still there. I have asked teixeira to take a look next time they are in my area. Have you resolved this?

Wax is lifted by moisture. It's a poor choice for almost any type of coating, from furniture to soapstone. It's an especially poor choice for an often used countertop.

In addition, many granite fabricators don't understand soapstone. They finish it to too high of a sheen, and that exacerbates the water ring and moisture "damage" issue. The cure is to finish to a much lower sheen, with a coarser grit of sandpaper.

You can always have all oil and/or wax removed and apply a color enhancing sealant to get the darker look. While soapstone does not need to be sealed, enhancing sealants are a great option for getting the dark look without the maintenance and sealed soapstone does not get water marks or light spots.

I never use those Magic Erasers. Bought them once and they marred my wall paint and also my laminate counters when trying to removed marks. '
They are magic, as they remove things, but too harsh and they do it by removed part of whatever finish it is you use them on.

Any resolution on this question? I'm having the same issue with my soapstone. Thanks!

My soapstone looks a lot like yours…and I have the exact same problem. I originally used wax and I'm sure that exacerbated the issues I have with glass rings. But some of the larger dull areas like yours appeared first after my granddaughter painted on several pieces of construction paper then set them all across my counter to dry. When she picked them up, I had TONS of dull spots all across my counter from the paint that had soaked through. We get a lot of light and it looks horrible. Between that and all the water rings around my clean-up sink, the counter looks terrible. Not to mention all the little pitting from people scraping things across it or opening wine bottles on the counter and not on the cutting boards that I have there all the time (grrrrrr).

I have quit waxing and now before we have company I go over it with some grape seed oil that was recommended by someone. But the truth is, it never looks good and it really upsets me every time I look at it. I keep hoping it will get better with age, but it doesn't. I would LOVE to have an answer to this.

Do you have Green Mountain soapstone or are you just using their wax?

I have a soapstone called "Valentino," which appears to be very soft. I have been using Dorado Dry Wax.

Magic Erasers are actually a very low grit sandpaper...probably just sanded a spot...

Don't try anything further on your own. Soapstone is a soft material and you need to know what type of wax was applied and find out if they'd like to strip and re-seal the surface.