Soapstone is a versatile mineral that makes the perfect kitchen countertop. At Dorado Soapstone, we offer a wide selection of soapstone styles so that you can bring the style and functionality this stone has to offer to your home. Keep reading to learn more about how soapstone was formed over millions of years to bring its durable properties to your kitchen. 

Formation

Soapstone formed when tectonic plates collided, forcing one under another. The pressure and heat of the two plates colliding would cause minerals like olivine, septinine, and talc, to compress together and metamorphosis into what we now know as soapstone. This process is why soapstone can be found all over the world.

Quarries

Soapstone is quarried all over the world and has been utilized throughout human history. Ancient civilizations often mined areas now known as India and Iran to use the material to heat homes. Today, quarries can be found in Finland, Brazil, and even the United States.

Types

Soapstone has different types depending on where it is quarried. PA soapstone comes from Brazil and is characterized by its deep navy blue base with veining that can be tan, green, white, and even a rose color. Noir soapstone is often quarried in India and has a dark charcoal base, typically accompanied by white veining. Learn more about the different types of soapstone and their benefits here! 

Uses

Soapstone has the unique ability to hold heat, making it the ideal choice for early American settlers to use when creating fireplaces, cooking pots, and pipes. The stone’s durability has allowed many artifacts carved by ancient people to last for us to discover today. This durability is why it is the perfect material to use for modern-day countertops that need to be resilient to heat, scratches, and stains.

Humans have been taking advantage of the versatility of soapstone for thousands of years, why not follow your ancestors and do the same? Get a quote now by calling one of our many stores across the U.S.