Learn more about Soapstone

                                                                                         

You probably use talc as a personal care product and are no doubt aware of the fact that a certain amount of the mineral magnesium is necessary for good health. What you may not know however is that when these two substances come together under conditions of heat and pressure deep beneath the planet’s surface, they form one of the most useful substances known to humankind: soapstone!

This remarkable form of rock is known to geologists as steatite (STEE-ah-tite). Soapstone is classified as a metamorphic rock, which means that it started out as one type of rock, but due to geological forces was changed into something else.

Soapstone is also classified as a schist. These are “medium-grade” rocks and minerals that also include the more familiar shale (used as a roofing material) mica (used as an electric insulator and a substitute for glass in high heat applications) and the graphite in your pencil. Schists are rocks in which one can actually see the mineral grains – which is one attribute of soapstone that makes it an attractive material for items such as countertops and stoves. Because of its molecular structure, it is also easily worked and cut into various shapes for use as dimension stone.

Like other schists, soapstone is relatively soft and has what some people consider to be a “soapy” texture. In addition to kitchen surfaces, soapstone is used for sculpture and water basins as well; the Inuit and other Native American peoples have made use of soapstone for millennia, and several Hindu temples in India contain elaborate soapstone carvings. If you remember stories of the Minotaur, you’ll be interested to know that archaeologists have discovered soapstone furniture among the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete.

Although it is relatively soft, soapstone is highly resistant to heat. It is used not only to create mold for some types of metal casting, but also as cookware and cooking surfaces.

Because it is easily carved and shaped, yet durable and highly attractive, soapstone is becoming popular in home design and contemporary décor. Soapstone can vary a great deal in its degree of hardness; as a result, it can be used in many different applications. In addition, soapstone surfaces can be treated with a process involving the use of mineral oils to bring out the beauty of the grain.

Soapstone is one of the most versatile building and decorative materials available. If you are looking for something that is at once traditional and contemporary, consider using soapstone products in your home or place of business.

About the author:
Jonathan Blocker writes about Dorado Soapstone. Dorado Soapstone’s mission is to create an outstanding work environment, improve communities, and supply the highest quality soapstone slabs, soapstone tiles, soapstone stoves / fireplaces, and soapstone sinks throughout the world.

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