Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock, largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. It tends to be a very soft rock.

What are the Physical Properties of Soapstone?

• Soapstone is the mineral talc occurring in consolidated form.
• Soapstone is a soft rock, and it is easily scratched in countertop use.
• Soapstone is softer than marble or granite, yet is much less porous. In fact, it is so soft it can be scratched with your fingernail.
• No fixed hardness is given for Soapstone because the amount of talc it contains varies widely, from as little as 30% for architectural grades such as those used on countertops, to as much as 80% for carving grades.
• Soapstone feels soapy when touched, hence the name.
• Soapstone naturally forms a patina over time.
• A Soapstone counter top is velvety smooth, like marble and shares a color palette similar to travertine only with less pattern variation.
• Soapstone is typically gray, bluish, green, or brown in color, often variegated.
• Soapstone is nonporous and is not absorbent.
• Spills will not penetrate and stain the stone on the inside.
• Soapstone is very heat resistant and won’t burn.
• Soapstone has high heat storage capacity.
• Soapstone has low electrical conductivity.

What are the Chemical Properties of Soapstone?

• True Soapstone is chemically inert.
• Alkalis, caustics, bleaches and acids won’t affect Soapstone as they will granite, marble, limestone or slate.
• I still remember those ugly black Soapstone countertops in my chemistry and biology labs - Nothing seemed to chemically attack them!

Applications or Uses of Soapstone?

• Soapstone has been used extensively in laboratories and science classrooms for sinks, flooring and work surfaces.
• Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, coasters, kitchen countertops and sinks.
• Soapstone is sometimes used for fireplace surrounds and wood stoves because it can absorb and evenly distribute heat while being easy to manufacture.
• There are two different kinds of Soapstone: Talc, which is a softer stone, used for carvings, and Steatite, which is harder than Talc, used for countertops, sinks, lab benches, fireplaces, ovens etc.
• Fireplaces can be lined with Soapstone to create a hearth that quickly absorbs heat and radiates it long after the fire is out.
• Some wood-burning stoves make use of Soapstone to take advantage of its useful thermal and fire-resistant properties.
• Soapstone is also commonly used for indoor or outdoor planters, birdbaths and garden fountains.

Cleaning of Soapstone:

• Soapstone requires very little maintenance.
• Basic Soapstone maintenance involves sanding down scratches and using mineral oil to even out the variations after sanding.
• Soapstone should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents such as StoneTech™ All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner or Revitalizer™ Stone Cleaner and Seal Refresher.
• High-pH cleaners and cleaners containing solvents should not be used because they may remove the oils typically used to treat Soapstone surfaces.
• Deep scratches can be removed by professionals through sanding lightly with an 80-grit sanding sponge.

Stains on Soapstone:

• If the surface of Soapstone picks up a stain or discolors, it is just on the surface and can be scrubbed or sanded off.
• Vinegar and other acidic materials may react with the mineral oil and discolor.
• Removal of oily stains is easily accomplished with StoneTech Professional Oil Stain Remover.
• In kitchens, it is not stained or altered by tomatoes, wine, vinegar, grape juice, and other common food items.

Sealing, Protecting or Enhancing Soapstone:

• Generally, suppliers of Soapstone counter tops recommend the use of mineral oil to enhance the color of Soapstone. It takes many applications over a long period of time to get to an acceptable difference in the color.
• Some people opt never to apply anything to the stone, as it will soon begin to take on its own natural patina with regular use.
• Some companies selling Soapstone recommend the application of stone sealer to protect the countertop surface, but Soapstone is a very dense, nonporous stone which does not need to be sealed. However, it is a good idea to apply a light coat of mineral oil or specialty Soapstone enhancing product shortly after installation. Soapstone darkens as it ages, and the wax/oil keeps the natural darkening evenly spread throughout the surface. It will give the Soapstone a darker charcoal appearance, and it will also bring out the detail in the veining.
• Oiling/waxing is generally recommended on a weekly basis for the first three months, but then it can be reduced to once per month. After one to two years, most people find that they no longer have to oil/wax Soapstone at all. However, it does help to remove light scratches.
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Advantages (PROs) of Soapstone:

• Soapstone is nearly impervious to staining. This is in sharp contrast to granite and marble, which can be stained quite easily.
• Soapstone is unaffected by chemicals.
• Scratches and dents can be sanded out of the stone.
• No sealing is required.
• Soapstone is immune to burns and scorches, unlike solid surface countertops.
• Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite.
• Since Soapstone is totally non-porous, it’s also very sanitary. There are no little nooks and crannies for bacteria to work their way into, so Soapstone harbors far less illness-carrying bacteria than most countertop options.
• Less brittle than granite or quartz.
• It’s easy to clean, durable, and really low-maintenance.

DO’s and DON’Ts of Soapstone Maintenance:

• DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone.
• DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
• DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch the stone’s surface.
• DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
• DO clean surfaces regularly with StoneTech Professional Revitalizer™ Stone Cleaner and Protective Seal Refresher.
• DO use a tray for toiletry products in the bathroom to protect the surface from the damaging chemicals contained in many toiletry products.
• DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone.
• DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners.
• DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
• DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
• DON’T use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
• DON’T place toiletry products directly on the countertop surface.
• DON’T clean Soapstone at pressures above 800 PSI.

Soapstone Maintenance and Sealing Products:

• All Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner
• Oil Stain Remover
• Revitalizer™ Stone Cleaner and Protective Seal Refresher
• Stone Care Guide Mailer and Stone Care Guide Large Brochure
• Stone, Tile & Grout - Cleaning, Restoration & Protection Set of Two Training “How-To” DVDs