
TECHNICAL SHEET
Feature | Index |
Apparent density | 2.90kg/m3 |
Apparent porosity | 0,42% |
Water absorption | 0,06% |
Uniaxial compression | 86,13Mpa (dry), 59,42 Mpa (saturated) |
Freezing and thawing | 0,87K |
Bending by 3-point loading | 18,19 Mpa (dry), 18,08 Mpa (saturated) |
Bending by 4-point loading | 19,90 Mpa (dry), 17,86 Mpa (saturated) |
Abrasion wear 1,000m | 3,47mm (1000m) |
Reference standard 15.845/2015 |
Botanic Soapstone Beneficiation Techniques
(Green Soapstone)
Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock mined in Serro - MG, Brazil. It is green in color, giving a dark green appearance when mineral oil is applied to its surface. It has a medium-fine grain size of 20%-80%, smaller than 1 mm, with a mineralogical composition of 50% serpentine, 30% talc, 10% chlorite, and 10% opaque minerals or quartz crystal. This material has very low abrasion resistance, meaning it scratches very easily, so we do not recommend it for areas of foot traffic such as floors and stairs. Its color variation can change according to the percentage of iron and magnesium in its composition. It can be used as wall coverings, but mainly in fireplaces and barbecues due to its resistance to thermal expansion and heat retention. It's also widely used in kitchen countertops due to its low porosity (very low absorption rate and, therefore, low risk of staining) and its exuberant beauty (dark color interspersed with veins of talc or quartz crystal). Soapstone has little resistance to abrasion, making it the best stone for carving and producing works of art such as Aleijadinho's statues of the twelve prophets in Congonhas do Campo, Minas Gerais, and the exterior covering of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE MANUFACTURER (marbler)
Note: According to Standard 16596:2017 – Resistance to chemical attack, this material presents good resistance to attack, for some products a slight color change, with no apparent corrosion for any agent specified in the standard.
Beneficiation data
The correct selection of inputs for manufacturing this product directly impacts production costs and the final quality of the finished part. Assuming the equipment used is in good condition, the cooling system water is clean, and there is no solid waste circulating through it, the following are recommendations for the inputs required for successful processing:
Cutting methodology: to ensure the quality of cuts and grinding, we recommend diamond discs, saws, cups and grinding wheels made of soft metal alloy. In Brazil, we recommend tools from PS31 or Performance PS5
Waterproofing in the cutting area: As it is a material with very low water absorption, it is not necessary to use water repellents in the cutting areas, however, after finishing we recommend using a product to intensify the color of the material.
Recommended color enhancers: Intense, from Idea / Dark, from Bellinzonni / Darkener Plus, from AKEMI / and Ager, from Tenax,
Gluing the pieces: To ensure the quality of the gluing of the pieces, we recommend the following glues:
Brazil and abroad: Platinum, by AKEMI, / Titanium, by Tenax / or Spezial tak, by Bellinzonni
NOTE: It is important to strictly follow the proportion of glue + catalyst recommended by the manufacturers. In this case, we recommend using a pigment to match the color pattern of the material.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE INSTALLER
Laying parts on vertical panels: For installing vertical panels, bench wheels and baseboards, we recommend using Polyurethane glue – PU 40; remembering that the wall surface must be level and clean of dust and other dirt. After applying PU 40, we recommend waiting for the curing time suggested by the manufacturer before releasing the area for use.
Product recommendations: Hybrid adhesive AK 100, by AKEMI / TK PU 40 gray or black, AKEMI / PU 40 multi gray, by Barone / or PU 40 – Tekbond
Installation on sink countertops: Given this material's low flexural strength, we recommend using support points every 60 cm on countertops. For cantilevered countertops, we recommend supporting the piece on a metal support and securing it with black or gray PU 40 polyurethane glue.
Post-construction cleaning and protection: All post-construction cleaning must be carried out using water and neutral detergent to remove residue; the use of acidic detergents is not permitted, as this type of detergent damages the waterproofing protection applied to the parts.
Recommendation: Quartzolit post-construction cleaner / Post-construction floor cleaner detergent, by Bellinzonni / PCS Alcalino, by Piso Clean / or Basic Cleaner detergent – AKEMI brand
Post-construction protection: After post-construction cleaning, we recommend drying the entire area and applying a waterproofing layer to all surfaces, including the bonding edges and joints. This protects the material from any type of infiltration that may occur during daily use.
Waterproofing recommendations: Rock Protect, by Chemistone / Idea Gold, by Bellinzonni / or Nano Effect, by AKEMI,
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE END USER (Attention family and domestic workers).
Precautions to be taken by users over time:
- Reapply waterproofing every 12 months. Waterproofing agents are volatile substances and evaporate over time. Therefore, temporary reapplications of the product are recommended.
Recommended products: Rock Protect, by Chemistone / Idea Gold, by Bellinzonni / or Nano Effect, by Akemi.
How to apply: Wash the surface thoroughly with water and detergent and dry with a towel. Spray and spread 70% alcohol over the area, letting it evaporate for half an hour. Finish drying with a hairdryer. Once the surface is clean and dry, spray the waterproofing agent (using a standard spray bottle used for water or alcohol) over the entire surface, then spread it with a white cloth (to prevent the dye from coming off the fabric) and wait 12 hours for the waterproofing agent to fully penetrate the stone's pores. It's ready, and you can now use your table or countertop. Waterproofing products are non-toxic.
This procedure guarantees protection for your product and safety for your family's health.
- Protection against surface damage:
- Don't use abrasive products to clean your countertop. This can scratch the surface. Use a cloth or sponge with mild soap.
- Do not cut products with a knife directly on the surface – use cutting boards for this.
- Avoid placing hot objects, such as pans, on the countertop – the processing of natural stone uses resin on the surface. Resin is a polymer that alters with intense heat and can change color, causing unwanted stains. Use a wood, rubber, plastic, or fabric protector to prevent direct contact between the hot pan and the surface of your countertop or table.
- Don't drag utensils across the surface. They may have grooves, imperfections that can scratch your countertop.
- Even though it's a dense product with little porosity and protected by resin and waterproofing, natural stone can absorb small amounts of liquids that remain on its surface for a long time. Some of these liquids, especially acids and alkalines, can cause stains when absorbed. Among these, we highlight: vinegar, lemon, coffee, wine, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soda, beetroot, and oils. It's okay if any of these products are spilled or exposed on your countertop or table, but we recommend not waiting too long to remove them.
- Avoid blows, knocks, excessive weight, or impacts on your natural stone. Despite its apparent robustness, rocks have little bonding between their elements and can crack or fissure if subjected to physical shock or vibration. Avoid using spice grinders directly on the surface, unless it is well protected by an impact absorber.
Observations on the use of cutting tools or dragging utensils over the surface are much more important for soapstone, given its low resistance to abrasion.
With the right care, your natural stone will last for generations, maintaining the same beauty and exuberance as when it was installed.