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To oil, or not to oil…that is the question.

Did you take chemistry class in high school? If you did, you’ve likely already experienced soapstone. Most lab tables are made of this material because of its chemically “inert” composition. (That’s just a fancy way of saying that chemicals won’t ruin it. It’s all coming back to you now, isn’t it?) Resistant to stains and bacteria, soapstone can hold up to Bunsen burners and high school students determined to wreak havoc. Its ability to withstand all of that makes soapstone a pretty great choice for kitchen and bath countertops too.

In today’s building and construction industry, “green” has evolved from a mere buzzword into a solid reality. Architects, builders, and homeowners alike recognize the need to increase our environmental consciousness and do what we can to be kinder and gentler to the earth, plus conserve our natural resources. Natural stone is an inherently earth-friendly material, which recently became even more so when the Natural Stone Council unveiled more stringent sustainability standards for the industry.

What are some of the earth-friendly attributes offered by natural stone? Well, first of all it offers a long life cycle. Natural stone stands up to weathering better than just about any other building material, natural or manmade. The stone columns of the Parthenon, which have stood since 447 BC, are one example; the Egyptian pyramids are another. Natural stone is so durable, in fact, that in most cases it will last the lifetime of any particular building.

Love the resilience of soapstone, but have your heart set on classic white countertops? We’ve got a choice that may offer a pretty good compromise…White Soapstone.

Though it may look like cross-sectioned rings of wood, Stonewood granite is a natural stone that commands attention!

There are plenty of places in the home to show off beautiful natural stone besides a kitchen or bath countertop. One area that is experiencing a lot of new, creative twists is the fireplace surround. Here, the material you choose can make a strong design statement, add interest, and reflect your individual design style. The hearth can serve as a dramatic focal point or a subtle design that blends into the surrounding décor. The possibilities are endless!

Q: I’ve heard there is soapstone that’s quarried in central Virginia. What can you tell us about it? We love the idea of a great domestic product.

This is a question lots of our customers ask. The answer, however, varies from stone to stone. Natural stone comes from all around the world. But, there are a few countries that have developed strong quarry industries.