Soapstone Hardness Vs Granite

Soapstone is quite soft making it a favorite material for the diy homeowner for use as countertops.

Soapstone hardness vs granite. With that being said if we take something that we already know it s hardness and try to scratch a soapstone and it does we will know that the soapstone is at least softer than what scratched it. In stock are both hard and soft soapstone species. Soapstone which comes from finland china and brazil is quarried like granite and quartz and is composed primarily of magnesite dolomite chlorite and talc. Like granite and soapstone it is a natural stone.

For a rough reference on moh s hardness scale marble is 3 4 whereas granite is 6 8. Soapstone is the common name for the naturally occurring stone known as steatite a magnesium rich metamorphic rock containing a high percentage of talc the same substance found in baby powder the softer varieties often called artistic soapstone actually have a silky soapy feel to them and may contain as much as 80 percent talc. After a simple rinse they can go back in the freezer. It also tends to scratch as it is quite soft and requires different maintenance than marble and granite.

Soapstone does not have the dramatic variation of granite. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock composed of talc and other minerals. Whiskey drinkers will want to keep these on hand. There are also ready made sinks and pre cut soapstone counter tops blanks for diy ers on site ready to go.

Soapstone colors include shades of gray bluish green or brown and it may have variegated veins. Granite also works well in multiple settings around the house. Soapstone has a natural earthy beauty that is unique unto itself. Because of the natural stone s durability granite can hold up well whether you use it in a kitchen bathroom or any other room.

Plus natural soapstone is easy to clean and re use time and time again. It s anywhere from 300 to 400 million years old and the talc gives it a soft warm appearance and touch. The geology of soapstone. This gives it a leg up over other substances because that makes it pretty durable and slow to show wear.

So if a fingernail scratches it it can be assumed that that soapstone is a 2 5 or less on the moh s scale of hardness. By uns resource mar 17 2017 countertop comparisons educate. Installing soapstone or granite in your home has many benefits from high quality looks to financial gains. Each one is clearly labeled with its hardness in mohs scale and the price level on each slab.

It is also non porous so there is no need to seal it. The look tends to be more of a dull grey until it s oiled. Soapstone is an entirely different ballgame than granite and marble.