Hardscapes & Masonry
Natural Granite and Marble Countertops
Natural Granite and Marble Countertops
Beautiful Alternatives
for Soapstone Lovers
If you’ve landed here looking for Alberene Soapstone, we have some information related to the quarry and operations in Schuyler, Virginia. Since the early 1880’s this site was the epicenter of soapstone quarrying in the United States and single-handedly built soapstone industry in North America. Over the years, the site has grown in scale and output, so much so that it built the town of Schuyler and neighboring cities like Charlottesville. From roofing tiles, to additives for rubber tires, foundation blocks, utility sinks and chemistry lab surfaces, this unique high-density steatite has helped shape American history.
Natural Granite and Marble Countertops
Every quarry operation has its own unique features and challenges that can present themselves at any given time. From bedding planes, undesirable mineral inclusions, directional cleavage with planes of weakness inside particular depository, or even difficulties maneuvering and operating within the quarry itself. Such are the challenges that Polycor faced as new areas for prospecting were explored on site to unearth soapstone that is to of the level of quality to be expected from our quality assurance teams and customers. Working around the quarry features resulted in smaller block sizes and smaller slab sizes and production output slowed. It is because of this that Polycor made the difficult decision to discontinue Alberene Soapstone production.
We know that’s disappointing to learn because soapstone, and Alberene Soapstone in particular, has earned its place in some truly beautiful projects. We’ve loved showcasing the material over the years, from DIY kitchen overhauls to hand-carved farmhouse sinks and designer showcase spaces. But here’s the thing: the qualities that made soapstone so appealing — its natural beauty, the way it anchors a kitchen with character and warmth, the confidence of knowing your countertops are made from real, enduring stone from domestic quarries — those qualities aren’t exclusive to soapstone. Other North American-produced natural granite and marble deliver that same sense of permanence, personality, and history, and in many cases, they take it even further.
Natural Granite and Marble Countertops
Why Homeowners and Design Professionals Are Choosing Granite and Marble Countertops
There’s a reason surface materials are one of the largest investments in any kitchen design, as well as the most long-lasting. When Leanne Ford from HGTV’s “Restored by the Fords” designed her Wilmot showcase kitchen in Pittsburgh, they chose their honed American Black granite countertops first and built the entire room around them. That’s the kind of commitment natural stone inspires. The matte finish, neutral grey color and texture of the American Black resembled oiled or enhanced Alberene Soapstone, but with none of the maintenance that came along with it.
It’s not just aesthetics (though, let’s be honest, the aesthetics are incredible). Natural granite and marble countertops are quarried from the earth and finished by skilled fabricators, so every slab has character that manufactured materials simply can’t replicate. And unlike engineered surfaces that are cold, feel artificial, and rely on dyes and resins to achieve their look, natural stones like American Mist granite owe their deep, rich color entirely to their natural mineral composition. And this particular stone really captures the same aesthetics as Alberene Soapstone when ordered with a Honed or Antiqued finish.
Granite Countertops: Durability That Doesn’t Quit
If you loved soapstone for its resilience, such as its ability to set a hot pan down without a second thought, then granite takes that toughness to another level. It’s one of the hardest natural stones on earth, resistant to scratching, heat, and the daily demands of a busy kitchen. Guests can feel comfortable in your home without worrying about breaking something or scratching or staining the countertops.
Polycor granites that resemble soapstone are also quarried from dedicated North American quarries, each with its own distinct character:
American Black™ Granite — This granite features wispy, subtle white veining that gives it a soapstone-like quality, while delivering the incredible durability of a true granite. It’s a compelling option for anyone who wants the visual movement of veined soapstone with a much more forgiving surface.
Saint Henry Black™ Granite — Also known as Taillon and Canadian Black, this stone features a smooth crystalline composition with thin silvery veins exposed by black textured graining. Move around a Saint Henry Black granite kitchen and you’ll notice something remarkable: what looks like straight black from a distance reveals opalescent mega crystals that catch and refract light. It possesses an inner luminosity that designers describe as having the quality of seashells. Available in honed, antiqued finishes, and polished finishes.
Cambrian Black™ Granite — A great Canadian classic from a quarry exclusive to Polycor, Cambrian Black is one of the few black granites that doesn’t require any resin or dye. Its fine grain and deep, consistent tone make it ideal for everything from carved farmhouse sinks to expansive kitchen islands. In a leathered or antiqued finish, it takes on an elevated, textured quality that feels modern and less artificial than engineered quartz surfaces.
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Marble Countertops: Timeless Elegance, Rooted in Heritage
Marble has been a hallmark of refined interiors for centuries — and for good reason. Its soft veining and luminous surface bring a warmth and sophistication that instantly elevates a space. If you were drawn to soapstone for its natural patina and organic feel, marble offers that same sense of a material that lives and breathes with your home. These marbles have been popular pairings with Alberene Soapstone over the decades and will achieve an identical effect in two-tone kitchens when mixed with American Mist, American Black or Saint Henry Black granites.
Marble has been a hallmark of refined interiors for centuries — and for good reason. Its soft veining and luminous surface bring a warmth and sophistication that instantly elevates a space. If you were drawn to soapstone for its natural patina and organic feel, marble offers that same sense of a material that lives and breathes with your home. These marbles have been popular pairings with Alberene Soapstone over the decades and will achieve an identical effect in two-tone kitchens when mixed with American Mist, American Black or Saint Henry Black granites.
Polycor’s Georgia Marble has been quarried in Tate, Georgia for more than a century, and its legacy runs deep — from iconic American architectural projects to modern kitchen renovations across the South and beyond.
Georgia Marble™ – White Cherokee™ — One of the most homogenous marbles available, White Cherokee features distinctive movement and texture that sets it apart from the more commonly seen Carrara or Calacatta. South Carolina designer Krystine Edwards chose it for her own kitchen renovation, pairing it with brass fixtures and a dramatic black island. The thin, closely-packed grain structure of this American marble gives it superior strength and resistance — it’s not just beautiful, it’s built to perform.
Georgia Marble™ – Pearl Grey™ — From the same quarry as White Cherokee, Pearl Grey features a larger abundance of white, gray, and black veins that create compelling surface movement. Its versatility makes it equally at home in a traditional Southern kitchen or a sleek modern space. At Kirsten Grove’s Idaho home, marble slab walls and countertops provided a dramatic backdrop in the kitchen area — proof that this stone holds its own in both residential and commercial settings.
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Granite Countertops: Durability That Doesn’t Quit
Soapstone has always been valued for its soft, tactile feel and the way it develops a patina over time. Those are real qualities worth appreciating. But if you’re reconsidering your options or simply exploring what else is out there, here’s what natural granite and marble bring to the table (literally).
Variety of finish and color. Where soapstone typically presents in shades of grey and charcoal, granite and marble open up an entire spectrum — from the deep crystalline blacks of Saint Henry to the luminous whites of Bethel White granite and Georgia Marble. Multiple finish options beyond the honed finish that soapstone only comes in (such as leathered, antiqued, or thermal) means you can dial in exactly the look and feel you want.
Proven durability. Granite in particular is exceptionally hard and heat-resistant, standing up to the daily wear of a working kitchen without requiring the periodic oiling, enhancing and sealing that soapstone needs to maintain its appearance. These countertops will still be in great shape when you’re welcoming grandkids to the kitchen decades from now.
Design flexibility. Natural stone slabs can be fabricated to fit any space. Anything from waterfall islands, integrated sinks, custom edge profiles, ultra-thin 1cm composite-backed slabs, or fireplace feature walls – they’re the preferred choice for a sleek modern look. The possibilities for customization go well beyond what most surface materials can offer.
North American heritage. Like Alberene Soapstone, Polycor’s granites and marbles are quarried right here in North America. From Quebec and Vermont to Georgia and Pennsylvania, these are stones with their own legacy. Each one carries its own story, quarried from land that has been producing building materials and supporting families for generations.
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Explore Polycor’s Countertop Collections
Whether you’re building from scratch, renovating, or designing for a client, these are the stones that designers, architects, and fabricators across North America trust for countertop applications:
Want to see more? Browse all kitchen countertop options or order a sample to see the stone in person.
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Looking for the perfect countertop slab for your kitchen design, have questions about finding Polycor slabs at a local distributor near you? Our stone experts are ready to answer your questions.
