Soapstone is a soft, white mineral that is highly porous and absorbent. It has been used for centuries in construction, sculpture and other decorative arts. Soapstone is named for its “soapy” feel, which comes from the mineral talc (also known as metamorphic rock). Talc is the softest mineral on Earth, measuring a 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. The amount of talc in soapstone varies, which means the overall hardness of the stone will vary as well. Commercial soapstone slabs intended for practical use contain less talc, with the remaining composition including harder minerals like chlorite, magnesite and amphibole. This broad variation in potential mineral components and their percentages makes soaprock more of a family of stones. You’ll want to work with a reputable dealer and spend some time investigating the specific stones you are considering.
It is found in a variety of colors, including black, gray, brown, yellow, green and white. The United States has several soapstone quarries that produce high quality stone products. The largest deposits are located in Vermont and Virginia.
Stone soap product London is an amazing material. It offers three major benefits: heat resistance/retention, acid resistance and absorption resistance/non-porosity. These properties enable soap-stone to used as sinks, counter-tops, floors, hearths, stoves and more. Let’s take a closer look:
Heat Resistance and Retention
Magnesium, a main component of soapstone, has the ability to retain heat, making stone soap an excellent choice for a hearth or fireplace.
Acid Resistance
Soapstone is a favored surface choice in laboratories, as its talc component is chemically inactive. This means soapstone tends to unaffected by acids. This property, along with its heat resistance, translates well into the kitchen, where it commonly used for counter-tops, islands and kitchen sinks.
Absorption Resistance/Non-Porosity
Soapstone is very dense, which makes it highly resistant to staining. The talc it contains is hydrophobic (repels water), which means it actually repels water from the surface of your sink or countertop when you place them in contact with moisture from dishes and food preparation activities like washing dishes or cooking with sauces that may contain acids like tomato sauce.
Soapstone a User-friendly
A durable, low-maintenance choice for your kitchen or bathroom, stone soap product London is a great option for people who want the option of self-repair. Since soaprock lacks the hardness of materials like granite, it can scratched, chipped or gouged from everyday wear and tear or accidents. However, these problems easily fixed! Small scratches can removed with a coat of mineral oil, while larger marks can removed with sandpaper. Even gouges can filled with a mixture of stone chips and epoxy, making soap-rock a user-friendly option when it comes to DIY repairs.
Soapstone looks best when it oiled with a thin layer of mineral oil. This ensures consistent coloring and keeps your soapstone looking fresh and vibrant. It important to note that soapstone cannot polished to a glossy finish—instead, this material retains its soft, warm glow. If you have questions about soapstone or would like more information on our products, contact us today!