What is Soapstone, and Why Should it Be Used for Soapstone Stoves?

In fact, Soapstone Stove make a great deal of sense. Soapstone has been used for thousands of years as cookware by aboriginal peoples around the world. It is a type of metamorphic rock, similar to marble, but is relatively soft and easily carved into useful – and even artistic shapes (in fact, there are several Hindu temples in India that feature elaborate soapstone cavrings). Soapstone is also highly heat resistant; it is used for cooking vessels as well as fireplaces.

Soapstone Stoves are not only resistant to heat, they are chemically inert – meaning that unlike a granite or marble surface, pH has no effect on it. You can clean it with anything, spill anything you like on it – and the surface will not be marred. In addition, soapstone has no absorbent qualities whatsoever – foods and liquids spilled atop soapstone stoves are easily wiped up and leave no stains. Small wonder that soapstone has been a highly popular cooking surface for thousands of years!

Soapstone is heat resistant, but also a very efficient heat conductor. Soapstone stoves retain and radiate heat quickly, efficiently and evenly, making them ideal for cooking and heating.

Soapstone Stovess are also very attractive; like wood, this type of rock as visible grains that form appealing patterns which complement virtually any kind of d�©cor. Soapstone stoves are at once very traditional, yet contemporary.

The reason that it is called “soapstone” is not because of its appearance, but rather for tactile reasons; brushing this material with one’s fingertips, one is reminded of the feel of a dry bar of soap (however, it is completely useless for washing).

The primary material from which soapstone stoves are made is called steatite by geologists. Composed of magnesium, dolomite and talc, it is today extracted from quarries in the same way as is marble. These deposits predate the dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years.

Although soapstone is relatively soft and easily carved and shaped with metal tools, this softness varies from one kind of soapstone to another. Some soapstone can even be carved with one’s fingernail, although this type is unsuitable for soapstone stoves and other surfaces. There are better types of soapstone available that is far more durable and has much greater density; this type of soapstone is what goes into the manufacture of soapstone stoves and similar surfaces.

Soapstone stoves are built for the ages – many soapstone surfaces installed in homes during the 19th Century are still being used here in the 21st. Beauty, versatility and durability – these are three excellent reasons to consider soapstone stoves.