SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS
FAQ'S
Soapstone is very widely used for
kitchen countertops. Below you will find frequently asked
questions, pertaining to soapstone.
QUESTION:
What is soapstone?
ANSWER:
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock, which comes in varying
degrees of hardness. It is composed of talc, magnesium silicate,
and chlorite.
QUESTION:
Where does soapstone come from?
ANSWER:
Soapstone is quarried from Brazil, India, Finland,
Switzerland, and the USA. Brazil is the #1 producer of
soapstone.
QUESTION
: Are there
different kinds of soapstone?
ANSWER:
Soapstone varies in color, hardness, and
purity. It's a darker natural stone and comes in shades of grayish
to green to blues, and charcoal gray. Random markings include white
veining, shades of green, amber or beige in the shape of veins or
other formations.
Depending on the talc content soapstone comes in two
varieties:
-
Artistic soapstone has high talc content, is very soft,
and is used for carvings, chalks, and welder's
pencils.
-
Architectural soapstone has lower talc content and is
used for sinks, soapstone countertops, floors, and other
architectural items.
QUESTION :
What is soapstone used for?
ANSWER:
Backsplashes, bathroom vanities, bathtubs, benches,
bowls, cooking pots, countertops, fireplaces, fireplace fireboxes,
fireplace surrounds, floors, furnaces, lintels, pizza stones,
planters, sculptures, shower stalls, sinks, table tops, and window
sills. If you can imagine it, you can probably use soapstone.
QUESTION
: Is soapstone durable?
ANSWER: A
soapstone countertop will last many lifetimes. It is a dense
natural stone, which allows nothing to penetrate it, not even
bacteria. It is impossible to stain and unaffected by heat.
QUESTION :
How does soapstone wear? I have heard that it is a soft
stone.
ANSWER:
Yes. Soapstone is a soft stone. The edges will soften
and your soapstone countertops will accumulate some nicks,
scratches, and dents. The scratches can be removed with a light
sanding. Otherwise, these little nicks and scratches become part of
the patina.
QUESTION:
Does soapstone scratch?
ANSWER:
Yes. The beauty of soapstone is that it can easily be
repaired by the homeowner.
QUESTION:
How do you repair scratches on
soapstone?
ANSWER:
A simple wipe with mineral oil and the small scratches
are gone. For deeper scratches, a light sanding followed by mineral
oil will remove any scratches.
QUESTION :
Why is it recommended to apply mineral oil to
soapstone?
ANSWER:
To avoid inconsistent color or tone. Soapstone oxidizes
(turns dark) when it is exposed to water, grease, and
oils. Treating your soapstone with mineral oil will keep the
oxidation uniform across the entire surface. Mineral oil will also
bring out the richness of your stone's natural color, making the
color deeper and more dramatic
QUESTION :
How do I apply minerals oil?
ANSWER:
Use a soft, clean cloth. Apply the mineral oil to your
entire counter and then wipe up any excess oil with a soft clean
cloth.
QUESTION :
How often do I apply mineral oil?
ANSWER:
-
Immediately after it is installed.
-
After your initial application, apply once a week for
the first 6 months.
-
Then, once a month for the first
year.
Thereafter, it's totally up to you.
Just apply as needed to keep your stone looking new
QUESTION:
Will applying too much mineral oil damage my soapstone
top?
ANSWER:
No
QUESTION:
What shall I use to clean my soapstone
surface?
ANSWER:
Any household cleaner and a damp cloth or
sponge.
Viaew available soapstone
Marble & Granite Supply of
Illinois
6666 W. Howard St
Niles, IL 60714
T: (847)
866-8682
F: (847) 866-8206
sales@marble-granites.com
www.marble-granites.com
Disclaimer:
Please note that the information on
this page is a general summary of industry-accepted tips in stone
care that we have compiled to help you in your stone selection and
care. Please note that natural stone varies substantially. Ask your
stone specialist what works best for your particular
stone.