Soapstone is a metamorphic rock which is mainly composed by the mineral Talc. What confuses many people, is the fact that there are two different materials, popularly called soapstone:

The mineral Talc, softest mineral on earth, is also called soapstone. This mineral is mostly used for the manufacture of cosmetics, refractory materials, sculptures, and many items we use everyday, such as toothpaste, baby powder (talc + fragrance) and even chewing gum.

The rock Steatite, also called soapstone, is the material we use for our countertops, sinks, masonry heaters, flooring, and many other architectural applications. Soapstone (Steatite) was also used to ?coat? the most famous structure in Brazil, the large image of Jesus on top of the mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro. This rock is composed of several minerals but the most abundant is Talc. Steatite is harder than Talc, reason why it is suitable for the applications cited above.

This natural quarried stone, is softer than most other natural stones. Although a soft stone, soapstone is a very dense stone. Many people wrongly associate softness with porosity, soapstone is denser than marble, slate, limestone and even granite. Because soapstone is so dense, it will not stain, in other words if anything is spilled on the stone, it will stay only on the surface and will not penetrate the stone. Other natural stones, including granite, if not properly sealed will stain. Soapstone is widely used in chemistry lab tops and acid rooms due to it?s density. Maintenance: The only maintenance required for soapstone, is the application of mineral oil , to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through. Soapstone (Steatite) in it?s natural state, only comes in shades of gray, unlike Talc, which comes in a variety of colors. Once mineral oil is applied, the stone will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, and in a short period of time, it will turn black. Some varieties of soapstone will keep a hint of green. Also used in the construction of masonry heaters, due to it?s excellent thermal qualities, soapstone is virtually heat proof. It is also used as pizza stones, cooking pots, inside bake ovens and many other related applications. You can take a pot right from your stove, and place it on your soapstone countertops and it will not harm it.

Cleaning: Any common household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone counters. Because the stone is so dense, chemicals and acids do not harm it. Because soapstone is softer than granite and marble, it is also more prone to scratches, but the great advantage is that scratches are easily removed with a light sanding and mineral oil.

Soapstone derives it?s exceptional suitability as a material for stove-building through the essential composition from Talc and Magnesite. In Nordic countries these particular qualities have been discovered many decades ago. It?s excellent heat-storage and heat-conductivity destine the soapstone like no other material for stove-building. The air remains clean, the floor and the walls are comfortably warm and the humidity in the air remains stable. The healthy radiating warmth, with its favorable influence on the human organism, something doctors and biologists repeatedly point out, will convince you over and over again. A soapstone-stove is a source of the zest for life, which lets you become fit and active.