A Closer Look at Using Soapstone for Countertops

Choosing to install soapstone for countertops in your kitchen or bathroom is a great investment that will benefit you for years to come.

Natural stone is the way to go for modern renovations because it doesn’t just look nice, but it’s also highly functional and can help with the resale value of your home as well.

All in all, installing soapstone for countertops is the gift that keeps on giving. While many people are familiar with granite and marble, not as much is known about soapstone—at least within the general public.

We’re here to change that. Learn more about soapstone here!

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What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a natural stone that’s made with about 50 percent talc. It also includes other minerals like charlotte, mica, and carbonate.

Soapstone is formed when intense heat and pressure alter other types of rock, which qualifies it as a metamorphic stone. In most cases, soapstone will form when two of earth’s tectonic plates meet.

Did you know: the United States is one of the best places to quarry soapstone? Along with India and Brazil, the US has the highest number of soapstone quarries in the world.

Soapstone Uses

There are two types of soapstone—artistic and architectural.

Artistic soapstone
- has more talc than architecture soapstone (about 75 percent),
- is easy for artists to work with because it’s soft.
Architectural soapstone
- contains about 50–60 percent talc;
- is used for kitchen countertops, sinks, fireplaces, and other home applications because it’s harder.

Architectural Soapstone

Unlike other natural stones, it can be difficult to find a specific variety of soapstone. This stone is a lot less diverse than granite or marble, and that makes it tough for a supplier to distinguish the stock that they have.

The best way to find a soapstone for countertops that works is to keep your desired color in mind as you explore samples in our showroom.

Color Variations of Soapstone

Here are the two most common color variations of soapstone:

Gray

Barocca—a light gray background with thin white veins
Black Venata—a dark background with long veins and dappled accents
Porto Alegre—a gray/blue background with noticeable veins
Python—a raw gray background with subtle patterns

Green

Fantasia—a gray/green surface with wide and swirling veins
Santa Rita—a marble-like veining with a blue/green background
Belvedere—a gray/green background and dark aesthetic
Indigo—a gray/green background with a dappled surface

There’s also such a thing as black soapstone, which is often quarried in the United States and Brazil.

If a supplier tries to convince you to buy white soapstone, be wary because genuine soapstone does not come in a white hue. What is marketed as white soapstone is actually a form of marble, so if it’s soapstone for countertops that you want, never choose white.

Features of Soapstone

Not only is soapstone stunning, but it’s also functional and durable. Here are some traits you can expect from your soapstone slab:

Heat resistance

It’s very unlikely that your soapstone countertop will sustain damage if you set a hot pot or pan onto it.
Soapstone is a conductor of heat, which makes it great for fireplaces. But that also means it can be hotter to the touch than other natural stones.

Stain resistance

Soapstone is naturally nonporous, so it will not stain easily.
It can also withstand strong chemicals. It’s so skilled at doing this that you’ll often find soapstone used for countertops in science labs.

Softness

Soapstone is often compared to marble in terms of softness, but unlike marble, scratches can be removed easily. All you need to do is wipe them with water, soapstone oil, or wax. Even tough scratches can be removed by using steel wool before applying the oil or wax.
Because of its softness, your soapstone is somewhat vulnerable to dents. You may look at this dent as a part of your countertop’s personality, or you may choose to get it repaired by a professional.

Soapstone in Your Home

Soapstone is a great choice for busy kitchens where both functionality and aesthetics matter. To learn more about this stone, take a moment to get in touch with Wallstone Stone Countertops today.