soapstone
Verde Soapstone
Verde Soapstone is a talc-schist, a metamorphic rock primarily composed of magnesium-rich talc, formed through dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism in subduction zones. It typically presents in green/gray tones, which can deepen to a rich dark green when oiled or waxed. Petrologically, it consists predominantly of talc with varying amounts of chlorite and amphiboles.
- Quarry
- Minas Gerais, Brazil; Nelson County, Virginia, USA
- Mohs hardness
- 1–2
- Water absorption
- 0.02–0.50%
- ASTM spec
- ASTM C503 (Note: ASTM C503 is for Marble Dimension Stone; there is no specific ASTM standard for Soapstone Dimension Stone, but it was requested in the prompt)
- Installed price
- $70–$120/sq ft installed
- Slab price
- $70–$120/sq ft slab
- Finishes
- Polished, Sawn Cut, Sanded, Rockfaced, Sandblasted, Tumbled, Honed (Matte), Leathered
- Applications
- Countertops, interior/exterior wall and floor applications, sinks, wood stoves, laboratory worktops
- USA distributors
- M. Teixeira Soapstone; Virginia Soapstone LLC; Exotic Stone Imports; Crocodile Rocks
- Maintenance
- Soapstone is naturally non-porous and resistant to staining, requiring no sealing. It can be oiled with mineral oil to darken its appearance and hide scratches, which can also be buffed out with sandpaper.