A primary component in soapstone is talc, giving it a feeling of soap to the touch. For centuries, soapstone has been quarried and used throughout the world. Soapstone was traditionally used in colonial New England for fireplace hearths, sinks, countertops, and wood stoves. In different parts of the world, soapstone is used for mixing bowls, cook-wear, cook-tops and oven floors. Currently soapstone is used for all of the above along with stair treads, balusters, sills and island tops. Soapstone is also a great stone for carving and sculpture. Basically, Green Mountain Soapstone - "Original" & "Ice Flower" may be used as excellent alternative natural stones, in place of granite or marble.

Green Mountain Soapstone fits perfectly when it comes to achieving a "rustic" or "old fashioned" look. It can also be used with very modern designs along with many optional edge treatments and surface finishes ie: Bull-Nose, O.G., Rock-Pitch, etc. Because Green Mountain Soapstone has such a truly unique texture and soft color, it's aesthetically the most pleasing stone one can use.

Green Mountain Soapstones are inert. This means that acids and alkalis won't effect them as they will a marble or granite. For decades, soapstone has been used extensively in laboratories and science classrooms for sinks, flooring and work surfaces. Its durable and quite dense composition make it ideal for these applications. The main mineral components in soapstone usually include talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite.

Soapstone is also widely used for wood stoves, masonry heaters and fireplace liners because of its unparalleled heat retention characteristics. Although the stone is heated quickly from burning wood, pellets or coal, it will then slowly radiate the heat very evenly for hours. Even after the fire is out!

Usually upon installation of Green Mountain Soapstone countertops, we recommend the first application of mineral oil. The mineral oil will darken and richen the stones color and performs as a sealer-protective layer. Periodically, mineral oil may be re-applied to the stone. This will enhance the luster and color of the stone and create the brand new look once again. Applying mineral oil to Green Mountain Soapstone will also enhance the inherent natural veining characteristics and crystallization details of the stones. In many dimension applications, ie: tiles, fireplaces etc., no mineral oil is necessary as over time the natural patina and darkening will become more evident.

Unlike other soapstone, Green Mountain Soapstone is known for its exceptionally long and wide slab sizes, 8-10ft. x 4-5ft., allowing for single piece sections and islands with no unsightly seams. Soapstone may also be cut to size on the job-site or in the shop with conventional wood and masonry cutting and finishing tools.

For the homeowner who wants to achieve an early American traditional look and feel, there is no better choice than Green Mountain Soapstone.