Soapstone is a popular material for home renovations because it is very resilient. It is also a firebrick material because it can withstand high temperatures. Soapstone is also impervious to chemicals, acids, and heat, which makes it a good choice for lab tops, acid room sinks, and lab shelving. However, because soapstone is so popular, there are now many cheap imitations on the market.
Some companies are trying to exploit consumers by selling fake soapstone. This fake soapstone includes misnamed or misrepresented varieties of stone, including slates, marbles, granites, and even quartz.
Slate vs. Soapstone
Some companies lie to customers by saying that cheap Indian slate is soapstone. Soapstone is supposed to be resistant to acids and heat, but slate is not, and it can get damaged easily. This isn’t very reassuring for people who thought they were buying a product that would be durable and long-lasting.
Slate is a type of stone that is easy to damage. It can be stained, etched, chipped, and cracked easily. Soapstone is much more resistant to wear and is easy to keep clean.
How to Identify Authentic Soapstone
When buying soapstone, it is important to ensure that you work with a reputable distributor or fabricator. There are many fake products on the market, so it is important to spot potential fakes. Another important thing to do is to examine the soapstone before buying it to ensure it is real.
Here are the qualities of soapstone that guarantee its authenticity:
- Soapstone is a soft rock that can be easily scratched with a fingernail.
- Soapstone is a unique material that feels cool to the touch, even at room temperature.
- Soapstone is a soft rock with a soap-like feel and a pearly or silky luster. It can be either polished or unpolished.
- Soapstone is typically a gray, green, or blue color. If the stone in question is not one of these colors, it is likely not soapstone.
To test if a soapstone sample is authentic, first examine it for any stains. If there are none, put a drop of white vinegar on the surface and wait an hour. If the vinegar has caused any etching or damage, then the soapstone is not authentic. If you are unsure about a stone, ask the distributor or fabricator about it. Make sure their answers align with what true soapstone is. This way, you can be sure you are getting the real thing.
Why It’s Important to Tell Real Soapstone from Fakes
If you choose to go with a lookalike soapstone option rather than authentic soapstone, be sure to do your research on any special considerations or maintenance that may be required. Remember that faux soapstone products will not offer the same qualities or function as real natural soapstone.
Other types of stone will need to be specially treated. They may not work for some intended applications due to the differences in fabrication options, durability, and stain-, heat-, or acid-resistant. While other materials may be good options for your home improvement project, always consider the pros and cons of installing fake soapstone countertops before making your final decision.
At Cutstone Company, we believe that a great space deserves beautiful countertops. From the single vanity to the large commercial project, we desire to partner with clients on their projects to make them successful. We’ve been committed to excellence for more than 15 years and look forward to beautifying Alabama for many more to come! If you need soapstone countertops in Birmingham, AL, get in touch with us! Schedule a free consultation now!
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