Soapstone: an Ancient Classic With a Modern Kitchen Twist

They say if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen: but soapstone is not going anywhere. This classic stone is a versatile and heat-resistant option for counters and kitchen islands. Leave it natural and watch it patina, or evenly treat it with oil to achieve a specific, refined look. 

Soapstone has been around for thousands of years and used through the ages for a variety of uses because it is easy to carve and has the special ability to absorb heat and radiate it out slowly. It was one of the earliest stones used in countries around the world. In the United States it has been used for countertops, cookware and other applications. In other countries, such as Brazil it has been used for major statues, one of the most famous being the “Christ the Redeemer.” India has used soapstone in the construction of buildings. Because of its durability many of the buildings and sculptures still stand today. Soapstone is quarried in many places around the world, such as Brazil, Finland and China; small amounts of the stone come from quarries in Virginia and Vermont.

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