About Soapstone . . .

Let there be Rock . . .   

Soapstone is a natural quarried stone also known as as “steatite”, which is comprised primarily of the minerals talc, chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite.  There are different colors, types and qualities of soapstone.  Artistic grade soapstone contains a higher talc content, which means that it is softer and suitable for carving.  Philadelphia Soapstone Company is HIGH QUALITY architectural grade soapstone imported from Brazil, one of the few places this rare and unique stone is still commercially quarried.  

Architectural grade soapstone is practically indestructible.  Denser than granite, slate and marble, soapstone is completely nonporous making it impenetrable to liquids and stain proof.  Soapstone is inert making it impervious to reactants and chemicals.  Soapstone has long been a favorite material for laboratory work benches and chemistry room floors.   Soapstone is unaffected by very high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for active kitchen spaces and fireplace liners.   Hot cookware from the oven or stove may be placed directly on your soapstone countertop surface without worry about the stone being damaged by heat.

 

To Oil, or not to Oil . . .

Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired.  Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used.  Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy. If you change your mind, you can always oil the stone anytime.

As soapstone is nonporous, the oil does not actually penetrate the stone surface, but a light wiping accelerates the natural darkening process evenly.  It may take several courses of mineral oil (over time) to obtain a soapstone's darkest natural state.   There is no benefit (or harm) in leaving extra oil on surface, it will not be absorbed.  Excess oil may be simply wiped off.

 

Soapstone is Versatile

Common uses for soapstone include counter tops, drain boards, kitchen sinks, stair treads, basins, cookware, floor tiles and heaters.  Soapstone is unaffected by heat, making it an excellent choice for active kitchen spaces and fireplace liners.    Innovative craftsmen are constantly developing new and creative uses for this workable stone. 

 

Working with Soapstone

Soapstone is an excellent choice for the Do-It-Yourselfer!*
 
Although soapstone is denser than marble or granite, it is a soft stone which may be cut and shaped without any special stone working tools, cutting gear or equipment. We recommend cutting soapstone with a circular saw diamond blade, however a masonry blade will work. 

Simple edges may be finished with common powered sanders.  More ornate edges can be mastered with a router using carbide router bits.  Faucet fixture holes can be cut with a hole saw and larger sink insert cut-outs made using a combination circular saw for the straight runs, and a hole saw and jig saw to a achieve desired corner sweeps.

*Not all soapstone varieties are recommended for do-it-yourself projects due to hardness.