Downloadable Information on Technical Specs
- Technical Bulletin on Alberene Soapstone
- Physical Testing and Chemical Resistance of Alberene Soapstone
- Slip Test (Alberene Soapstone — Brushed)
- Slip Test (Alberene Soapstone — Hammered)
- Slip Test (Alberene Soapstone — Honed)
- Thermal Properties of Alberene Soapstone
General Soapstone Specifications
Absorbency
Since soapstone is a metamorphic stone formed under high pressure, it is highly compacted and dense; thus absorbency is zero or so close to zero that it is inconsequential, making this stone exceedingly sanitary as a food preparation surface, as well-maintained surfaces resist harboring bacterial growth.
Heat Retention
Soapstone is unaffected by temperatures from well below zero to above ±2,000° F. Thus it is very extremely effective for radiant heating, is useful as refractory material and is frequently used for wood burning stoves that use both of these properties. It is dimensionally very stable through a wide range of temperature. (The ancient Nordic Vikings used flat soapstone pebbles for pocket hand warmers.)
Static Coefficient of Friction (“Slipperiness”)
Soapstone is perfectly suited for floor tiles and outside pavers. The test results for soapstone are comparable to those for blue stone and travertine.
Hardness
Soapstone used for surfaces is a soft dimension stone. Mohs hardness 1-4, depending on mineral content. The softness is a plus: It can be worked with ordinary tooling, scratches and dings can be eliminated or minimized with ordinary sandpaper, and it is forgiving of china–much more so than granite. It does not have a bothersome preferential breakage or fracture direction.
Chemical Reactivity
Soapstone is very inert. It does not react with strong acids or alkali (basic) solutions. It is non-poisonous and safe to cook in or use around food.
Electrical
Soapstone is nonconductive and thus is ultra safe for kitchen counter surfaces. Formerly used for high voltage electrical insulation.
