Soapstone
Soapstone is a preferred material for the informed specifier and sophisticated homeowner. Sensuous to the touch, the warmth and the beauty of soapstone make it a material of choice for your kitchen countertops.
Soapstone (Steatite) is relatively soft because of the high talc content (talc is rated a 1 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale), and may feel soapy when touched, thus the name. Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, coasters, and kitchen countertops -- both interior and outdoors -- and sinks. Traditional Inuit carvings often use soapstone, and some Native American groups made bowls, cooking slabs, and other objects from soapstone, particularly during the Late Archaic archaeological period. Soapstone is sometimes used for fireplace surrounds and woodstoves because it can absorb and evenly distribute heat while being easy to manufacture. Because steatite (soapstone) is virtually heat proof and has excellent thermal qualities, you can take a pot right from your stove and place is directly on your soapstone countertop without harming it. (More about soapstone...)
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