We recommend oiling your countertops to ensure that the stone will evenly darken. The oil is not sealing or protecting the stone, it is only “speeding up” the natural darkening process that steatite (soapstone) goes through. Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed.

 

CARING FOR SOAPSTONE

The only maintenance required for soapstone (steatite) is the application of mineral oil to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through. You can also use butcher block conditioner. It last longer, appears more even & its not quite as messy. Once mineral oil/wax is applied, the stone will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, sometimes black. Often times, varieties of soapstone will keep a hint of green. Steatite (soapstone or soap-rock) is virtually heat proof and used in the construction of masonry heaters because of its excellent thermal qualities. It is also used in creating pizza stones, cooking pots, oven interiors and numerous related applications. You can take a pot right from your stove and place it on your soapstone countertops without harm.