1. SmartStones
  2. Stone Guides
  3. Soapstone
Metamorphic

Soapstone — a natural stone guide for buyers, designers, and contractors.

Soapstone is a metamorphic stone sourced primarily from Brazil, India & Virginia, USA. With a Mohs hardness of 1–2 and water absorption of 0.05%, it is commonly used for Countertops, sinks, fireplaces.

1–2Mohs hardness
0.05%Water absorption
GoodFreeze-thaw
$70–120 / sq ft installedTypical cost range
Technical Specifications

By the numbers

Mohs hardness 1–2
Water absorption 0.05%
Freeze-thaw Good
Density 2.75 g/cm³
Applications Countertops, sinks, fireplaces
Cost range $70–120 / sq ft installed
Finishes Available

Surface options

Honed

Matte, flat surface. Most common for interior flooring and walls.

Polished

High gloss finish. Maximizes color and pattern depth.

Brushed/Flamed

Textured surface for exterior use and slip resistance.

Evaluation

Pros & cons

Advantages

  • ✓ Natural, one-of-a-kind appearance
  • ✓ Origin: Brazil, India & Virginia, USA
  • ✓ Freeze-thaw performance: Good
  • ✓ Cost range: $70–120 / sq ft installed
  • ✓ Suitable for: Countertops, sinks, fireplaces

Considerations

  • – Requires sealing and regular maintenance
  • – Heavier and more expensive to install than synthetic alternatives
  • – Color/pattern variation between batches
Frequently Asked Questions

Soapstone — common questions

Soapstone is commonly used for Countertops, sinks, fireplaces. Its Mohs hardness of 1–2 and Good freeze-thaw rating determine where it performs best.
Soapstone has a Mohs hardness of 1–2. For reference, granite is Mohs 6–7, marble is Mohs 3–4. Higher hardness means better scratch and wear resistance.
Soapstone has a water absorption of 0.05%. Stones with higher absorption benefit most from a penetrating sealer applied annually. Always test with the water-drop test: if water absorbs in under 4 minutes, reseal.
Soapstone typically costs $70–120 / sq ft installed per square foot for the material. Installation adds $8–$20/sq ft depending on complexity and region. Request current pricing from SmartStones verified suppliers.
Soapstone is rated "Good" for freeze-thaw performance. Its water absorption is 0.05%. Lower water absorption = better freeze-thaw resistance. For northern climates, verify the stone meets your project's freeze-thaw requirements.
Care Guide

How to Care for Soapstone

Essential maintenance steps to keep Soapstone surfaces looking their best for decades.

1

Daily cleaning

Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a pH-neutral stone soap for weekly cleaning. Avoid vinegar, bleach, or multi-surface cleaners.

2

Blot spills immediately

Blot (do not wipe) any spills to prevent staining or etching. Rinse with water and dry.

3

Annual sealing

Apply a penetrating impregnator sealer to dry, clean Soapstone. Allow 10–15 minutes of dwell time, wipe excess, and cure for 24 hours. Re-seal when the water-drop test fails.

4

Professional restoration

If the surface develops deep scratches, chips, or loses its finish, contact a stone restoration professional. Most damage can be corrected by re-honing or re-polishing.

Compare

How Soapstone compares

Applications

Where Soapstone excels

Kitchen Countertops Material guide & how-to Shower Walls Material guide & how-to
Pricing

Soapstone price guide

Typical material cost
$70–120 / sq ft installed / sq ft

The full Soapstone price guide covers material vs. installed costs, regional pricing across all 6 US regions and Canada, format-specific breakdowns, and the top cost drivers for your project.

Full Soapstone price guide →

Find Soapstone suppliers near you

Browse verified Soapstone suppliers across the US and Canada — current pricing, in-stock inventory, and fast response.

Find Suppliers Ask the AI Advisor
Explore more

All stone guides

Marble Guide Properties, care & pricing Travertine Guide Properties, care & pricing Limestone Guide Properties, care & pricing Granite Guide Properties, care & pricing