Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is soapstone?
A: Soapstone is a natural stone quarried all over the world. It is a metamorphic rock that is formed over millions of years by heat and pressure deep inside the earth.
What confuses many people is that there are two different materials popularly called soapstone:
The rock steatite, called soapstone, is the material we use for our countertops, sinks, masonry heaters, flooring, and many other architectural applications. This type of soapstone is stronger and more durable than other types described below.
The mineral talc is the softest mineral on earth and is also called soapstone. This mineral is mostly used for the manufacture of cosmetics, sculptures, and many items we use everyday, such as toothpaste, baby powder (talc + fragrance) and even chewing gum.
Our soapstone, or steatite, is a naturally quarried stone, which is softer than many other natural stones. Although a soft stone, soapstone is a very dense (non-porous) stone. Many people wrongly associate softness with porosity; soapstone is denser than marble, slate, limestone and even granite. Because soapstone is so dense, it will not stain.
Other natural stones, including granite, if not properly sealed, will stain. Soapstone is widely used in chemistry lab tops and acid rooms because, due to its density, it does not stain.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Maintenance: The only maintenance required for soapstone is the application of mineral oil. Mineral oil enhances the natural darkening process the stone goes through. Soapstone in its natural state is grayish blue or green in color. Once mineral oil is applied, most stones will turn into a very dark charcoal gray or black. Some varieties of soapstone will keep a hint of green. In a short period of time the stone will develop its natural patina.
We recommend oiling your countertops to allow the stone to develop its natural patina. The oil does not seal or protect the stone, it only “speeds up” the natural darkening process of the soapstone. Immediately after you oil the soapstone it will feel oily; we recommend that you remove all excess oil with a dry towel, until the countertops no longer feel oily.
There is no such thing as “let the oil soak in;” remember, soapstone is nonporous and it will not soak in the oil or anything else.
Q: What happens if you do not oil the soapstone?
A: The soapstone will start darkening in spots, most noticeably around the sink area and the countertop areas frequently used. Leaving the soapstone unoiled will develop a nice rustic look that many people seek. You can always oil the stone anytime you wish.
Q: Do you need to seal Soapstone?
A: Stone sealers are meant to seal porous stones. Since soapstone is a very nonporous stone (unlike marble and granite) it does not need to be sealed. We do not recommend sealing soapstone.
Q: How do you clean Soapstone?
A: Any common household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone counters. We recommend using a mild dish detergent. Because the stone is so dense, chemicals and acids do not harm it. However, using strong cleaners will remove the oil from the stone and may require the stone to be re-oiled more frequently.
Q: Can you scratch soapstone?
A: Yes, you can; however, rubbing some mineral oil on the scratched area can hide most scratches. Deep scratches are less likely to occur and can be sanded off with little effort and time. The great advantage of soapstone is that scratches are easily removed with only a light sanding and an application of mineral oil.
Q: How does soapstone withstand heat and temperature changes?
A: Soapstone is essentially inert. Neither hot nor cold temperatures will harm the stone. Soapstone does not expand or contract with temperature fluctuations and it will not crack due to these sudden changes.
For more information on Dorado Soapstone please visit our website www.doradosoapstone.com or please call
303-429-1387. www.doradosoapstone.com
www.teresinasoapstone.com in California
