Mass production of Finnish soapstone dates back to the late 1800s, when it was quarried and cut by hand. The material was used for sculpture as well as major architectural commissions, and the stone's heat retention qualities made it a popular choice for residential fireplaces. The quarry in Juuka, which opened 1893, developed into a strong source of employment in the region. However, the era of technological development over the course of the 20th century led to electrical stoves, and the quarry was closed during the 1960s.
Around 20 years later, a renewed interest in natural building materials inspired Reijo Vauhkonen to reopen the quarry. Working with Makron Oy, a Finnish manufacturer of stoneworking equipment, they began producing material, and the company eventually took on the name, "Tulikivi," which literally means "fire/stone."