SOAPSTONE

This historic and popular building material has been used in the United States since colonial times. Ideal for many residential applications, today some of the best soapstone slabs come from the Mariana area in Brazil.

• The term steatite is sometimes used for soapstone - it is a soft, but very dense variety of talc (formed from the composition of talc and other minerals during rock metamorphosis) having a soapy feel - hence the name.
• Soapstone is great for fireplace surrounds and woodstoves, because it can absorb and evenly distribute heat. It is also increasingly used for counter tops. When used in residential applications, its main properites are its acid and heat resistance and, in the case of stoves, its retention of heat which dissipates slowly over time.
• A weathered or aged appearance will occur naturally over time as the patina is enhanced. Applying mineral oil, a popular and traditional surface treatment, darkens the appearance of the stone and provides a level of protection. The color will turn into soapstone's traditional dark color over time.

We supply soapstone slabs by container from Brazil & India. Here are some representative photos of the soapstone we carry. (approx. size: 275cm x 175cm x 3cm). We have two types usually available; Baroque Soapstone and Smoke (see photos below). Granite slabs from Brazil can also be combined in the same container.

BAROQUE SOAPSTONE

SMOKE SOAPSTONE

NEW INDIAN SOAPSTONE
- a newly discovered source for soapstone - quarried, cut and honed slabs from India.
Granite slabs from India can also be combined in the same container.