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Soapstone

A soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc. Also called Steatite. Soapstone is soft and warm to the touch. It's smooth, slippery, and silky. It is a traditional and old fashioned natural stone. The look is warm and inviting. Charming, rustic, and rich looking yet versatile enough to fit comfortably within the modern home. Soapstone has been used for centuries in our homes. It's also the counter top of choice in our science labs. It truly emits old world charm. The colors of soapstone are rich and beautiful. They convey calmness. From ash gray to smoky blue-grays to a rich charcoal black. Some stones have flecks of green and blue and contrasting veins twisting throughout the stone.

Soapstone is a siliceous natural stone which consists mainly of talc and chlorite. There are actually two types of soapstone. The artistic soapstone which is used for carvings and sculptures contains a higher talc content. The other type of soapstone, also known as steatite, is used for architectural purposes. It is used for counter tops, sinks, and vanities, just to name a few. Architectural soapstone contains a lesser amount of talc. The more talc the stone contains, the softer the stone is.

Soapstone is made up of mineral deposits created by nature and quarried from the earth. The main mineral components in soapstone include talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite, giving a warm, soft feeling to the touch. Soapstone has a unique soft color with light flowing veins. When cut, it oxidizes from light magnesite, grey to dark charcoal in color. A protective coat of mineral oil makes its color even more dramatic. For centuries, soapstone has been quarried and used throughout the world. Soapstone was traditionally used in colonial New England for fireplace hearths, sinks, countertops, and wood stoves.

In addition to soapstone’s traditional uses, it is currently used for stair treads, balusters, sills, island tops and mixing bowls. Because of its unparalleled heat retention characteristics, it is the perfect choice for cookware, cook tops, oven floors, masonry heaters and fireplace liners. After soapstone is initially heated from burning wood, pellets or coal, it slowly radiates the heat evenly for hours – even after the fire is out! Soapstone can also be used for carving and sculpture.

Soapstone can be worked by cabinet makers and woodworkers with conventional wood and masonry cutting and finishing tools much more easily than marble or granite. It can also be cut to size on the job-site by a builder or contractor.

Soapstone is a soft stone that can be cut and shaped without any special stone working tools. You can see more details about DIY.

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