As design trends continue toward a classic, refined look, traditional products such as soapstone are finding their way to the forefront of consumer consciousness. And while much of the soapstone circulating around the U.S. is actually quarried in Brazil, there is a site for the material in rural Virginia — owned by Alberene Soapstone Co. of Schuyler, VA — that is undergoing a remarkable resurgence.
The history of Alberene soapstone production dates back to 1888, and the quarry has a storied past, during which it changed ownership many times. “Georgia Marble purchased the company a long time ago,” explained Richard Coyte, Director at Alberene Soapstone Co. “They pulled out in the early 1970s. “Alberene had been successful in the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. In 1967, there was a flood that wiped out the place. Georgia Marble saw an opportunity and made some upgrades, but another flood hit in 1972. At that time, there was more imported stone coming into the country, so they got out.