Soapstone – What is it?
Soapstone, also known as Soaprock, is a blend of different materials with high percentages of olivine, serptinine and talc. The olivine and serpentine give the stone is characteristically green color and the talc gives the stone the luscious soft texture that has made it famous. Soapstone is a nonporous stone, meaning a soapstone counter will never stain, etch or harbor bacteria. Although soapstone can be soft due to their high talc content, soapstone is also one of the most forgiving counter surfaces and can be sanded, repaired and even refinished.
Noire
Characterized by a dark charcoal base typically with white veining, but vein colors can range from white, green, and even a rose color. Oiled this stone is a deep black base with rich, high contrast veining. Noire is one of the hardest soapstones on the market.
PA
Characterized by a deep navy blue base typically with tan veining, but vein colors can range from white, green, and even a rose color. Oiled this stone is a black base with soft, thin, spidery veining. Green is a characteristic of PA but it is typically localized to the vein. Stones can vary from heavily veined to lightly veined. Like the Noire, PA is one of the harder stones on the market.
Anasazi
Characterized by a rich emerald greens and navy blues with veining that ranges from white to brown. Oiled/waxed these stones have a rich green color that is accentuated by its chunky white veining.
Pratima
Characterized by a deep navy color with a network of medium to thick veins. This stone goes a rich green color when oiled/waxed giving it a very high contrast, dramatic feel.
Buzios
Characterized a mid to light grey color with a textured pattern. When oiled/waxed this stone takes on a green/teal undertone throughout the whole stone. Levels of green will vary from stone to stone. Lighter in color, this stone is on the softer side of the soapstone scale.
Porto Alegre
One of the lightest greys on the market this stone is characterized by a light grey background with chunky quartz veining. This stone gets dramatically darker when oiled/waxed and brings out the rich greens in the stone. Porto Alegre is also one of the softer soapstone on the market.
White Soapstone***
Characterized by a white base and dramatic dark grey veining this stone can confuse some consumers. This stone is a total show-stopper. Known in the industry as ‘White Soapstone’ this material is truly a marble, and does not maintain the properties of soapstone.
***White Soapstone is a Marble
Soapstone is one of the most beautiful and most versatile stones on the market. Whether it be in your kitchen, bathroom, or even in your outdoor barbecue, you’re sure to find the perfect piece of soapstone for your project. If you have more questions about soapstone, or are ready to take the next step towards your dream remodel, contact Dorado Soapstone today!
