Soapstone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Every piece of soapstone is unique.

1. Does soapstone need to be sealed?
   Stone sealers are meant to seal porous stones. Since soapstone is non-porous, it does not need to be sealed.
   
   
2. Why do you recommend oiling soapstone?
   We recommend oiling soapstone to help the stone darken evenly, instead of in spots. The oil is not a protectant nor does the stone need to be protected.
   
   
3. What happens if you do not oil the soapstone?
   The stone will naturally darken unevenly, appearing splotchy. It will appear more noticeably around the sink and countertop areas (those used more frequently). Leaving soapstone untreated, it will develop a rustic look which many clients prefer. The stone can always be oiled later on if the untreated results are not desireable.
   
   
4. What can I do to prevent the stone from darkening?
   Darkening is a natural characteristic of soapstone and cannot be prevented.
   
   
5. Will my soapstone counters get scratched?
   Yes they will, however most scratches can be hidden by applying mineral oil. Deep scratches, that are less likely to occur, can be sanded off with little effort and time.
   
   
6. Are some soapstones harder than others?
   Yes, however, the average person cannot tell the difference. The more talc content in the soapstone, the softer it is. Since most of the soapstone sold in the US comes from the same area in Brazil, the variation of the soapstones you can find is very minimal. The way to make soapstone less prone to scratching is by leaving its surface at a coarser/less smooth finish. After testing our soapstone numerous times, we have decided to hone the soapstone up to 120 or 220 grit. Some producers prefer 80 grit, which we can also offer, but most people think it's too rough and difficult to oil.
   
   
7. What is Mariana soapstone and do you carry it?
   There are basically two regions in Brazil where soapstone is extracted. Mariana area and Goias area. We have access to all operating quarries in Brazil and we do carry soapstone from both Mariana and Goias areas. All quality soapstones currently available in Brazil, are available at M. Teixeira Soapstone.
   
   
8. What is Sensa soapstone and do you carry it?
   Sensa soapstone is the name given by companies to ANY soapstone that they import from Brazil. As mentioned above, we carry a variety of soapstones from Brazil.
   
   
9. What is Green Mountain Soapstone and do you carry it?
   Same answer as above.
   
   
10. What is Ice Flower Soapstone and do you carry it?
    Same answer as question 8.
    
    
11. Can I place hot pots on my soapstone countertops?
    Yes you can, soapstone is not affected by heat. We actually make cookware out of soapstone.
    
    
12. Are there soapstones from other places than Brazil?
    Yes, a smaller quantity of soapstone is being quarried in Virginia, United States. One of the biggest soapstone producers is located in Finland, but that soapstone is primarily extracted in very small blocks for the European market of masonry heaters (very little entering the United States for countertops, etc). Other small quantities are imported from India and we are the exclusive importers of those (Python, Cobra and Mumbai Gray Soapstones). However, Brazil is by far the major resource for soapstone used in North America.
    
    
13. Is your Brazilian soapstone mined in the rainforest?
    No, none of our soapstones come from the rainforest, in fact, the Brazilian rainforest is over 2500 miles away from the states where we quarry our soapstones, the states of Minas Gerais and Goias.