Soapstone’s Unique Veining Characteristics

When it comes to soapstone, each individual slab is unique. When it comes to the range of varieties, there are subtle to dramatic tonal and veining variations through each type.  Some slabs have dispersed and minimal veining. Other slabs have dense and dramatic soapstone veining.

How does soapstone veining occur?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock created as a result of high levels of heat and pressure on a source rock (the protolith). Soapstone is formed by changes in the structure and composition of the igneous protolith. These changes occur at high temperature and pressure, in the presence of water. The layering within metamorphic rocks is called foliation. Undergoing pressure and physical forces, foliation creates veining movement in the stone. Different pressures and forces creates unique veining.

Soapstone consists primarily of talc with varying amounts of other minerals such like micas, chlorite, amphiboles, pyroxenes and carbonates.

When treated, these are the typical tonal and veining characteristics of each variety:

Noir

Black, with dramatic white veining.

Noir Bathroom in Robbinsville, NJ:

PA

Black, moderate to dramatic off-white veining and slight green hew.

PA Countertop in East Brunswick, NJ:

Churchill

Black, Minimal veining.

Churchill countertop in Cranford, NJ:

Mariana, Gris, Barroca

Black, White and off-white with minimal to moderate veining.

Mariana countertop in Freehold, NJ:

Pacific

Forest dark green, dramatic white veining and small black veining.

Pacific countertop in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn:

Sabon

Black undertones with dark green movement.

Sabon bathroom in Manahawken, NJ:

We can’t reiterate enough that each slab has its own, unique characteristics and toning. For more information on soapstone varieties, and to see our current stock, check out our inventory page.