Soapstone where is it found

North Carolina has the most soapstone mines and quarries, with Massachusetts and New Hampshire close behind. Though currently used as an insulator in construction, more countertops are using United States sources. Asian soapstone comes in a unique, wide variety of colors such as deep purple to pink, gray to black, white, plus shades of green. For s of years continuing today, their soapstone is made into various cooking pots, teapots, plates, boxes, and vases.

China and India are primary sources. Finland and northern Italy have significant soapstone deposits, though smaller than Brazil, that has been used for centuries for wood burning stoves since soapstone holds heat well. It is often used as a natural stone countertop in kitchens and laboratories. Soapstone is often used as an alternative natural stone countertop instead of granite or marble.

In laboratories it is unaffected by acids and alkalis. In kitchens it is not stained or altered by tomatoes, wine, vinegar, grape juice, and other common food items. Soapstone is unaffected by heat. Hot pots can be placed directly on it without fear of melting, burning, or other damage. Soapstone is a soft rock, and it is easily scratched in countertop use. However, a gentle sanding and treatment with mineral oil will easily remove shallow scratches.

Soapstone is not suitable for use as a workbench top where it will receive rough treatment and where sharp or abrasive objects will be placed upon it. Soapstone electrical panels: Remains of the original soapstone control panel of the Cos Cob Power Plant near Greenwich, Connecticut.

Thick slabs of soapstone were often used to hold high-voltage equipment and wiring because soapstone is heat resistant and does not conduct electricity.

Soapstone tiles and panels are an excellent choice where heat and moisture are present. Soapstone is dense, without pores, does not stain, and repels water. Those properties make soapstone tiles and wall panels a good choice for showers, tub surrounds, and backsplashes. Soapstone is heat resistant and does not burn. That makes it an excellent wall covering behind wood-burning stoves and ovens.

Fireplaces are also lined with soapstone to create a hearth that quickly absorbs heat and radiates it long after the fire is out. This property of soapstone was recognized in Europe over years ago, and many early hearths there were lined with soapstone. Whiskystones are small soapstone cubes that are refrigerated and then used to chill a glass of whisky. They do not melt and dilute the drink. Since soapstone has a very high specific heat capacity and changes temperature very slowly, a few stones can keep a drink cold for 30 minutes or more.

Soapstone does not burn or melt at wood-burning temperatures, and it has the ability to absorb heat, hold heat, and radiate heat. These properties make it an excellent material for making wood-burning stoves.

The stove becomes hot and radiates that heat into the room. It also holds heat, keeping the coals hot and often allowing the owner to add more wood without the need for kindling. Soapstone pipe: Native Americans have used soapstone to make smoking pipes and pipe bowls.

They used soapstone because it is easy to carve and drill. Its high specific heat capacity enabled the outside of the bowl to have a lower temperature than the burning tobacco inside. Boiling stones: Native Americans made "boiling stones" from soapstone.

Cooking was done in a small pit lined with a thick animal skin. A boiling stone would be placed in a nearby fire until it was very hot. A stick was then poked through the hole in the stone, and the stone was lifted from the fire, carried to the cooking pit, and dropped into the stew. Soapstone bowls: Native Americans made cooking bowls from soapstone.

These bowls would be placed in a fire and used to cook stews and meat. The mouth of the unbroken bowl is about four inches across. Soapstone worked well for this type of cooking because it is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of a wood fire. Soapstone cooking pots absorb heat readily from the stove and radiate it into the soup or stew.

Because their walls are thick, they take a little longer to heat than a thin metal pot. However, they heat their contents evenly and retain their heat when removed from the stove - the contents of the pot keep cooking until the pot itself begins to cool.

Soapstone pots are highly prized by people who learn how to use them. Make sure to never cut directly on the surface. You will also need to avoid dropping any heavy kitchen items, such as a cast iron skillet, on the countertop. A soapstone countertop will add both visual appeal and functional benefits to your kitchen. This historic building material is sure to please if you choose it for your home remodeling project. Cost to install kitchen countertops varies greatly by region and even by zip code.

Get free estimates from countertop installers in your city. Call now for assistance: Visit our Virtual Yard. Toggle navigation. My account Favorites Sign in. Home Blog What Is Soapstone?

Table of Contents What is Soapstone? What is Soapstone Used For? Where Does Soapstone Come From? How Much Does Soapstone Cost? Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Pros Explained:. Heat and Stain Resistant. Low Maintenance. Smooth Feel. Adaptable to Many Different Styles. Cons Explained:. Not Available in a Wide Range of Colors. Limited Slab Sizes. Will Darken Over Time. Can Easily Be Scratched or Chipped. Last updated on October 05, Article Sources.

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