Various Types of Soapstone
People have always been looking for the best for their homes. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why then soapstone has been used throughout the world for thousands of years as tools, carafes, vases, goblets, sculptures, fireplaces, etc. Currently, soapstone is used for a huge variety of everyday items such as soapstone stoves, stair treads, window sills and island tops. It’s quickly becoming a popular choice by designers and architects. It’s one of a kind, unique texture and look make soapstone one of the most aesthetically pleasing stones for the inside of your home.
The actual soapstone is quarried pretty much the same way as granite and marble is. It is a steatite stone with primary components of magnetite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc. The stone often ranges in age from 300 to 400 million years old depending on the geographical region the stone is quarried from. The talc in soapstone is quite soft to the touch, which gives soapstone that smooth feeling of rubbing a piece of dry soap which is where the stone’s name came from. While these qualities make it perfect for a soapstone counter, I wouldn’t try washing with it anytime soon.
Pure soapstone is inert which means alkalies and acids won’t affect it as they would harm granite, marble, or slate. For centuries, science class rooms and labs have taken advantage of this and used a soapstone sink and soapstone counter to clean their instruments. The longevity for continued, high traffic use makes soapstone a very durable building material.
Soapstone holds remarkable, natural heat retention characteristics which are why it is widely used for masonry heater fireplaces, wood stoves, soapstone stoves and ovens to make the most delicious pizzas. Soapstone fireplaces heat very quickly from burning coal, pellets or wood, that then slowly radiates heat very evenly for hours on end, even after the fire has long gone out.
Upon installation of a soapstone countertop, many experts recommend sealing the stone with a mineral oil or stone sealer. The mineral oil brings out a beautiful and dark richness to the stones natural color while also acting as a protective sealant. Mineral oil should re-applied to the stone every once and awhile. Sealers, on the other hand, remain for quite a while longer than the mineral oil, so reapplication isn’t as frequent.
Soapstone is perfect for achieving a warm old fashioned, rustic, early American look. The stone is also versatile enough that it can be implemented into today’s very modern designs.