It doesn’t burn, it doesn’t stain, it will not melt. It is not affected by acidic substances. It repels water and is unaffected by moisture. It is so durable, you will find it in laboratories throughout the world. We’re talking about soapstone and some of the finest slabs are now being extracted from a previously dormant quarry in Virginia by the only surviving supplier of American soapstone.

It’s no wonder soapstone is climbing the got-to-have-in-my-home charts. Its unique characteristics make this natural stone ideal in the kitchen as a backsplash, countertop or behind a stove. Soapstone is perfect in bathrooms for shower walls and tub surrounds.  Slip resistant, it’s popular on mud room floors. In fact, this amazing super stone can be used almost anywhere in your home or business.

Then why has it not become a household name like granite, marble or travertine? The Alberene Soapstone Company in Schuyler, VA is working on that, says Candice Clark, who runs the customer service department.  She says that the company, which first opened back in 1888, recently opened a quarry that hadn’t been in operation for 40 years.

 Like granite, soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock, but unfortunately, much of it is unstable and mined just for its talc content. Alberene Soapstone is different; it’s an architectural grade that is as durable as you can get. It ranks as a 3 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Candice says the company was purchased by Polycor last year and a major push is in process to hail the virtues of Alberene Soapstone.  While it still ranks behind granite and marble as a popular countertop stone, it has gained ground. Candice says she now has an average of 50 slabs on back order. “There has been a definite resurgence and interest in soapstone,” she says. The company is also manufacturing tile and outdoor pavers.

Its popularity also stems from its appeal to the environmentally conscious due to its reduced carbon footprint: it is all natural and mined in the U.S.  Moreover, it appeals to the new breed of green homeowner, those who are concerned with sustainability, their health and low maintenance. Soapstone will last for years, it is resistant to bacteria, and you only need soap and water to clean the surface.

Besides its practical characteristics, the stone has a pleasant touch and is easy on the eyes. While it is far from being soap, it does get its name from its soft texture. The stone feels velvety, almost soapy, and its reflective appearance is far from pretentious, yet classic and chic.

The reason it may lag behind as a go-to stone choice for consumers is its limited color palette of grays and blacks—Alberene Soapstone also has creamy white veins running through it—­and it can be susceptible to scratches.

While the color palette may be narrow and some maintenance is required to eliminate scratches, if you can work it into your design, you’re going to love it.

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