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Soapstone weighs an average of 20 lbs. per square foot! It is a nonporous stone and will not absorb liquids and stains like other natural stones will. It is also heat resistant.
Is soapstone heavier than granite?
Soapstone Countertop Pros and Cons Composed of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc, soapstone is very soft yet extremely dense. Soapstone is heavier than granite per square foot. Like granite and slate, soapstone is a siliceous stone and is not affected by acids. It’s nearly indestructible.
How much does soapstone weigh per cubic foot?
Density of solid soapstone equals to 2.96g/cm3 exactly which makes it 184.79 lbs/cu-ft and in Metric 2,960 kg/m3 heavy volume.
Why is soapstone so heavy?
Because of the high concentration of talc present in the stone, soapstone has a smooth surface. The amount of talc in soapstone varies. Because of the stone’s softness, soapstone that contains high amounts of talc is often used for carving. This is because, despite the softness of the stone, it is very dense.
Is soapstone heavier than quartz?
While hardness is desirable in a countertop for structural stability, what soapstone lacks in hardness, it makes up in density. Soapstone particles are extremely compact—more so than those of quartz, marble, or granite—which makes it more sanitary and easier to wipe clean.
Does soapstone scratch easily?
Soapstone, being softer than granite and marble, is also more prone to scratches. The great advantage is that any scratches can be easily removed with a light sanding and/or mineral oil. Light scratches can be hidden by lightly applying some mineral oil.
Does soapstone stain easily?
Soapstone countertops do not stain Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone. As such, you will not have to worry about liquids sipping into the stone and staining it. This is unlike granite and marble. Porosity is an important factor when choosing your countertop material.
How thick is a soapstone slab?
The typical size of a soapstone slabs can go from 60” x 108”- 80″ x 127″ (5-6.5 feet by 8-10.5 feet). The most common thickness on the West coast is 3cm (1-1/4” thick). The size of the slab is determined by the density of the stone and of course the size of the machinery the quarry uses.
How thick is a soapstone counter?
For kitchen soapstone countertops, we recommend using 1-1/4″ thick soapstone which, unlike thinner material, doesn’t require a sub-base on your cabinets. Most backsplash material is made of 1-1/4″ thick soapstone.
How heavy is granite?
How Much Does Granite Weigh? ¾ inch thick slabs Less than 13 pounds per square foot 1 ¼ inch thick slabs Around 19 pounds per square foot.
Does soapstone dissolve in water?
Soapstone is dense, without pores, does not stain, and repels water.
Is soapstone high maintenance?
If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. It’s durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel. Soapstone is similar in price to a high-end granite, and less than marble.
Is talc a soapstone?
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock. There are two different materials popularly called soapstone. The first being Talc, the softest mineral on earth, mostly used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, refractory materials, sculptures, and everyday items such as toothpaste, baby powder and even chewing gum.
Is soapstone always black?
Soapstone almost always has a muted gray, gray-blue, or gray-green color. It often has white veins running across the stone, and sometimes has swirls of white or quartz. Soapstone is quarried in many places around the world, and these locations each provide unique slabs.
What is black soapstone?
Black soapstone is classified as a soft, black, metamorphic rock. Soapstone is also called steatite or soaprock at times. Metamorphic rocks, such as this one, are formed from one type of rock through a physical change over time.
Is soapstone man made?
Soapstone Quartz is a man-made product made of natural quartz and other raw materials.
Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?
Some people like to clean with bleach. Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone’s natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
Is there asbestos in soapstone?
Most stone dealers are aware of this problem, and only carry stone that is known to be asbestos-free. Some soapstone contains silica, which can cause silicosis when inhaled. This should likewise be avoided, but is not as serious a hazard as asbestos.
Does soapstone emit radon?
A few stones emitted slightly more radon, and only one emitted a substantial amount of radon. The EPA has not conducted studies on radon in countertops and has no plans to do so at this time. Limestone, soapstone, and marble countertops do not pose a radon concern, according to Kitto.
What colors does soapstone come in?
Natural soapstone colors come in a selection of hues. Typically, the color options range from a palette gray, green, black, or blue-ish gray. Additionally, there some options may have swirls of quartz and white.
Why is it called soapstone?
Soapstone is the common name for the mineral steatite. Steatite is at least 50% talc combined with other minerals, mostly magnesite, that have been geologically metamorphosed into stone through a combination of heat, pressure and time. It is called soapstone because the talc gives the stone a soapy feel.
