Soapstone or Steatite is a metamorphic rock that comes in degrees
of hardness. It is composed of Talc, Magnesium and Chlome. The softer is known as Talc and is used to carve or crush to a
powder for a variety of purposes.
Soapstone East uses the harder version of Steatite, which makes
it appropriate for countertops and other similar uses that require durability and other unique prorerties. It is a quarried
stone that comes in different shades such as green/gray, blue/gray and charcoal gray in its natural state, but turns quite
dark to almost black with the application of mineral oil.
Soapstone look is a warn, rustic, inviting one, which is soft
to the touch and user friendly. Soapstone is used in laboratory countertops in schools and colleges because of the inertness,
its ability to resist stains and reactions to chemicals and acids. Therefore its finish isn't jeopardized by spills such as
lemon, vinegar or wine, like high gloss Marble or Granite can be.
Century old farmhouses have the original soapstone sinks and
countertops that are still in use. Soapstone has been around for hundred of years for fireplaces, countertops and sinks. As
a countertop material it is an obvious choice because of its ease of workability and durability.
Soapstone is easy to work with and can be cut with a circular
saw with a diamond turbo blade and then can by finished using a sander and sandpaper.
