How has the color of your soapstone changed over time?

16 years ago

Thank you for all the input on my previous post regarding my soapstone installation questions.

As I posted before I was unpleasantly surprised by how green the veining in my slabs looked when they were oiled.

I have to make a decision tomorrow whether or not to keep these slabs.

So I am wondering- how did the color of your stone change over time? I know the stone will darken, but can I expect the veining to become more white/less green?

Here is a photo I took of one of the slabs today. This is 1 day after oiling & they had been sitting out in the sun (it was 88 degrees here today!). I realize they don't look green in these photos but all the light colored veins really look green in person. The dark part of the stone looked dark gray/black when oiled.

Here is a link that might be useful:

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Comments (11)

vjrnts
16 years ago
My soapstone has both white/beige veining and lots of green as well; they are two different minerals, as I understand it. I think the amount of green depends on what's causing it; mine's a large vein of Bowenite serpentine, and it's one of the reasons I chose that particular slab.

I wouldn't count on the green going away or fading, but I don't know; maybe it will darken as the surface ages.
aunttomichael
16 years ago
california-dreamer, I've been following your saga with interest and worry. I don't know the answer to your question but if it were me, I'd call one of the big soapstone places and ask the question. Green Mountain, M Tex, Vermont Soapstone, that Tom guy in California who everyone raves about...I got mine from M Tex in NJ and I know they are well aware that they are discussed on this forum; I am sure that if you say, I was referred to you by someone on the Kitchen Forum and I have a question about soapstone veining changing color over time, that they will be happy to tell you what they know. I believe one of the owners of M Tex in NJ is Roberto and he is very knowledgeable. The person who sometimes answers the phone is a bit of a ditz; you need to get past her.

Maybe floridajoshua will weigh in on the question.

I have to say, though, that if you are buying this stone on the hope that it will change, then it is probably not the right stone for you. I think you need to love it going in.

Good luck!
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aunttomichael
16 years ago
I meant to add that I think the slab is gorgeous!
sweeby
16 years ago
IMO, the wide veins will probably continue to have tinges of green at the outer edges, but the thin white lines will show white on near-black.

But - After a week or so, there will be MUCH less green than you're seeing now. Can you wait a week before deciding?
bayareafrancy
16 years ago
I agree with the suggestion to call around. I've actually called all the venerable New England places (Green Mountain, Vermont, Bucks County). I preface my callls by saying that I'm out in California, but I need advice from the experts. They have been very helpful!

Not being any kind of expert, I'm guessing that green will darken into...well...dark green. And blend into the blackish parts. But green veins won't turn white. The white may become more prominent as the green darkens. But do you want to be oiling frequently with worry? Wondering when it will darken?

My gut tells me you should pick a differnt stone. I think it would be risky to go into this hoping the stone will change. I would be fretting and worring about it. Second guessing myself. That sort of thing. Sound like you want something more like Santa Rita Venata.

Or just keep your kitchen really dark so the green doesn't show. Task lighting is overrated!

:-)

Francy
vjrnts
16 years ago
Francey, the soapstone I pictured above is Santa Rita Venata. So is this picture.
bayareafrancy
16 years ago
Oh--OOPS!

:-)

Did I mean that one called something like "Black Santa Rita"? See the thread called "Is this Soapstone." Her middle sample is the black and white one I was thinking of.

francy
angelcub
16 years ago
The green veins won't change colors - it will remain green, as will the white remain white. This is the beauty of soapstone, its natural variation in color and veining, reminding us that only mother nature could produce something so exquisite. : )

As for the overall greenish tinge - it will look darker and blacker with regular oilings. Remember, true soapstone is gray-green, not gray-black. If you want a true black I'd suggest a different type of counter surface.
angelcub
16 years ago
So sorry, I should have used the term "traditional" instead of "true". I don't want to insult anyone with some of the new soapstones that may have different minerals contents which in turn give the stone a different base color.
hoffman
16 years ago
I recently got soapstone with green veins (Belvedere) from M. Tex in NJ and they clearly told me NOT to expect the green to change colors or fade away over time (I was initially hesistant about the green, but I have come to really like it). So I agree with everyone else, if you don't want green, don't keep this slab hoping it will change
rgillman
16 years ago
I deliberately picked a slab with a huge green vein and I would be most disappointed if it changed color. Here it is, still in the yard, with some oil on it. I love it both ways.

I agree, if you are worried about how it will look, pick something else. Don't drive yourself nuts over this. Someone will love the same slab you wouldn't be happy with.

Here is a link that might be useful:

How has the color of your soapstone changed over time?

Comments (11)

vjrnts

aunttomichael

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