Soapstone

Soapstone: is a unique natural quarried stone. Soapstone is very dense, nonporous and non-staining. It is also bacteria and heat resistant. Soapstone starts out a naturally light grey color, mellowing through time to a deep charcoal black through use and oiling.

Type of Stone– Metamorphic
Category– Talc
Scratch Resistance– Low. Easy to repair.
Porosity– Low to medium.
Acid Sensitivity– Extremely low to none.

There are stones that are dense enough, like soapstone and even some granites for example, that don’t require sealing.  Well sort of!. Soapstone will absorb oil and if you don’t pre-oil (to achieve a uniform darker color), your light gray counters will show those oil spots. That may be OK with you. But if you don’t like that ‘lived-in’ look, you’ll probably want to coat the stone with mineral oil.  (Basically, you are “pre-staining” or “sealing” your soapstone with mineral oil as your sealer) It will most likely also require periodic repeat applications so you’ll need to decide if that’s something you’re willing to sign up for. However, once your stone soap has been professionally “oiled” occasional re-application is not that bad of a process. Feel free to give us a call and we would be glad to assist you over the phone.