Soapstone is made up of mineral deposits created by nature and quarried from the earth. The main mineral components in soapstone include talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite, giving a warm, soft feeling to the touch.    Soapstone has a unique soft color with light flowing veins. When cut, it oxidizes from light grey to dark charcoal in color. A protective coat of mineral oil makes its color even more dramatic.    For centuries, soapstone has been quarried and used throughout the world. Soapstone was traditionally used in colonial New England for fireplace hearths, sinks, countertops, and wood stoves. In addition to soapstone’s traditional uses, it is currently used for stair treads, balusters, sills, island tops and mixing bowls. Because of its unparalleled heat retention characteristics, it is the perfect choice for cookware, cook tops, oven floors, masonry heaters and fireplace liners. After soapstone is initially heated from burning wood, pellets or coal, it slowly radiates the heat evenly for hours – even after the fire is out! Soapstone can also be used for carving and sculpture.    Soapstone can be worked by cabinet makers and woodworkers with conventional wood and masonry cutting and finishing tools much more easily than marble or granite. It can also be cut to size on the job-site by a builder or contractor.