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 different parts of the world,  soapstone is used for mixing bowls, cook-wear, cook-tops
		and oven floors. Currently soapstone is used for all oven floors.
		Currently soapstone is used for all of the above along with
		stair treads, balusters, sills and island tops. Soapstone is also a great stone for carving and sculpture. Basically Green Mountain Soapstone
		"Original" or "Ice Flower" may be used as excellent alternate natural stones, in place of granite or marble.
		Green Mountain Soapstone fits perfectly when it comes to achieving a "rustic" or "old fashioned" look. It can also be used with very modern
		designs along with many optional edge treatments and surface finishes ie:
		Bull-nose, O.G., Rock-pitch, etc. Because Green Mountain Soapstones have such a truly unique texture and soft color, they are aesthetically the most pleasing stones one can use.
		Soapstone is inert. This means that acids and alkalis won't effect the
		stone as they will a marble or granite. For decades, soapstone has been
		used  extensively in laboratories and science classrooms for sinks, flooring and work surfaces. It's durable and quite dense composition make
	it ideal for these applications. The main mineral components in soapstone usually include talc, chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite.  Soapstone is also widely used for wood stoves, masonry heaters and  fireplace liners because of its unparalleled heat retention characteristics.  although the stone is heated quickly from burning wood, pellets or coal, it will then slowly radiate the heat very evenly for hours. Even after the fire is out!.
		Usually upon installation of Green Mountain Soapstone countertops, we the "Original" stone color to a rich dark green and the "Ice Flower" stone to a flowing dark gray. The mineral oil performs as a sealer-protective layer. Periodically, mineral oil may be re-applied to the stone. This will enhance the luster and color of the stone and create the brand new look once again.
		Applying mineral oil to Green Mountain Soapstone will also enhance the inherent natural veining characteristics and crystallization detail of the stone. In many dimension applications, ie: tiles, fireplaces etc., no mineral  stone. In many dimension applications, ie: tiles, fireplaces etc., no mineral  oil is necessary as over time the natural patina and darkening will become more evident.
		For the Homeowner who wants to achieve an early American traditional look and feel, there is no better choice than Green Mountain Soapstone.