Unlike other mineral stones, soapstone comes in limited color options. Its typical color options are green, black, white, bluish gray, and gray . The veining of this stone is less compared to granite and marble.
What is the natural color of soapstone?
Formation Process: Natural soapstone is a metamorphic rock that is created through directed pressure and heat that changes existing rock into soapstone. Appearance: Soapstone is generally a chalky looking light gray color . Although, it is sometimes darker shades of gray.
How many colors of soapstone are there?
Types of Soapstone. Architectural soapstone comes in three main color varieties : gray, blue, and green. Because soapstone is so much more consistent in color and look than granite, it does not really have consistent names across suppliers.
What is the lightest color soapstone?
Minas soapstone is grey, one of the lightest soapstone varieties available with its light color coming from its high talc content. This high talc content also makes Minas a softer soapstone with a sensual quality that makes it wonderful to touch.
Is soapstone green?
Soapstone is known to be a soft stone, but actually comes in a range of densities and hardnesses. ... Soapstone quarried from outside the United States can have a greenish cast that will naturally darken over time. The stone may appear to have a light greenish tinge, green veins or even a green background.
Is all soapstone black?
Unlike other mineral stones, soapstone comes in limited color options. Its typical color options are green, black, white , bluish gray, and gray. The veining of this stone is less compared to granite and marble. Its surface oxidizes when in contact with air so it darkens over time.
Should I oil my soapstone?
As soapstone ages, the stone will darken. Some people choose to treat their soapstone with mineral oil , which helps make sure that the wear on the stone is more even. Without oiling, the wear on the stone will be uneven, and the stone will darken more quickly in the areas that get the most wear.
Is soapstone cheaper than granite?
Cost. Soapstone costs roughly $70 to $120 per square foot installed, making it pricier than many other natural stone countertop materials. Also a high-quality natural stone, granite will not cost you as much soapstone . ... If you are looking for which stone is easier on your budget, granite is your better choice.
What granite looks most like soapstone?
Granite, one of the top choices for countertops in terms of durability, has a few options available that match the aesthetic of soapstone. These options include the gorgeous Virginia Mist Honed , the sleek Jet Mist Honed, the stylish Costa Esmeralda, and even the more bold Green Ocean.
How much is a slab of soapstone?
| Granite Between $35 to $75 per square foot | Soapstone Between $55 to $100 per square foot | Limestone Between $70 to $200 per square foot | Onyx Between $75 to $250 per square foot | Gemstone Start around $100 per square foot |
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How can you tell if soapstone is real?
- Scratch the surface of the stone with your fingernail. Soapstone is very soft; it is assigned a rating of 2 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. ...
- Rub the stone. There should be a waxy, soapy feel to the surface of the stone, whether it is polished or not. ...
- Judge the stone’s temperature.
What color is soapstone when it is first mined?
Soapstone when first mined is typically bluish/gray .
How do I choose a soapstone?
Color Choices
Soapstone is typically found in whites, grays, greens, and blacks, many with intricate veining. If you are looking for a vibrant or unique color counter, soapstone may not be the best choice. Treat the soapstone with oil recommended by the vendor for a smooth, dark sheen.
What does soapstone feel like?
The name soapstone is derived from its “ soapy” feel that is soft to the touch caused by the talc in the stone which exudes a sensation similar to that of a dry bar of soap. The talc content in architectural soapstone generally ranges from 50 to 75 percent, making it soft and smooth.
Can you change the color of soapstone?
However, colors can change over time as a result of prolonged oxygen exposure . No one piece of soapstone is exactly the same, which helps create a unique visual identity for your countertops. You can apply oil to the soapstone to create a darker and more opulent look and assert a degree of color control.
Is soapstone environmentally friendly?
Natural soapstone is an environmentally friendly choice for kitchen countertops . The slabs are simply taken from the earth and cut to custom specifications to fit perfectly into your kitchen. No sealers or toxic chemicals will be introduced into your home with soapstone, as it is all natural and completely recyclable.
