DIY Soapstone Counter Top - Quarry Visit
The next step in my bathroom remodeling project is a custom vanity with a soapstone counter top. We have a local soapstone quarry, so I got to see the source in person.
The Albarene Soapstone Company was closed for years, but recently reopened. During its peak 100 years ago there were 2000 people working there. They had their own steam plant and railroad. Now the town is mostly known as the home of the Walton family from the old TV show.
The older quarry pits are full of water now. You can crawl around on the scrap piles and find some interesting pieces that are free for the taking.
I bought a 1-1/8" thick slab and another piece for the backsplash. They have a reinforcing mesh epoxied to one side and the other side is polished smooth.
The stone is very heavy. It was good that we showed up before the forklift operator left to make a delivery.
The stone looks medium gray when it is freshly sanded, but gains depth when it is oiled. I rubbed a little mineral oil on this spot to bring out the grain.
Stay tuned to see how I cut out the hole for the sink.
Cheers, Professor Bromide 
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