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What is soapstone?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subject to heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite, which is softer and porous making it easy to be scratched, stained, and damaged. No matter what the application, will change, age, and wear over time. On a kitchen countertop or vanity, you’ll want to address any concerns you have about etching and staining. Still, marble has been used for centuries in countless applications around the world, making it a beautiful choice for your countertop. Many homeowners choose to hone or leather the surface of their marble countertops to help disguise the imperfections that appear over time. To see a real application of marble, visit our showroom where we have a Calacatta marble island with 18+ years of wear & tear. One of our knowledgeable stone consultants will be happy to help you figure out if marble is right for you!
Details about its resistance
HEAT RESISTANCE: One cool fact about soapstone is that it is the almost total resistance to heat! Soapstone is known for being an incredibly dense stone. The very dense nature of soapstone also makes it a truly hygienic surface for food preparation.
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STAIN RESISTANCE: Soapstone will not stain due to its density and non-porous nature. It can darken over time, but the use of mineral oil can help achieve a dark, even appearance.
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SCRATCH RESISTANCE: Soapstone may be dense, but it is still one of the softest countertop options. This makes it very susceptible to scratching. However, the ‘soft but dense’ nature of soapstone makes it easy to repair mishaps simply by using a soft sander, and yet allows for an aging process that many think makes it look better with time. Scratches can also be hidden by using mineral oil on the surface regularly.
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WEATHER/UV RESISTANCE: Soapstone can be used outdoors, its non-porous attributes make it resist the elements. If you live near the ocean or in an area where heavy snow is common, no worries! Your soapstone will be unharmed by intense heat, cold, rain, or salt. It is always a good idea to cover your outdoor countertops when not in use.
How do I take care of soapstone?
Small scratches can easily be hidden with a little mineral oil, while deeper scratches in your soapstone can be removed with sandpaper buffing.
Educational information extracted from Elemar New England