This past weekend I attended a meeting of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society at the Alberene Soapstone Company in Schuyler. I found it to be a fascinating experience and enjoyed seeing this facility which has remained virtually unchanged for over 75 years. Some of the vintage equipment that is still in use for moving and cutting the stone is truly remarkable.
Central Virginia is home to the largest soapstone deposit in the world, which runs from Alberene, near North Garden, south to Amherst County. Alberene Soapstone Co. has been mining the deposit since the 1880s. They have 19 different quarries on 4 sites in Central VA. In its heyday, the Company had over 90 sites, all of which were connected by a private railroad network for transporting the stone from quarry site to processing plant. Distinctive characteristics of the stone such as spotting, veining, and hue vary depending on the location of the quarry and the depth that it is found underground.
In addition to commercial and industrial applications, soapstone is gaining popularity for residential use as countertops, backsplashes, sinks, floors, hearths, patios, etc… It is non-porous and anti-bacterial, very durable, aesthetically pleasing and requires minimal long-term care.
With the current focus on “Green” construction, what could be more environmentally sound than a natural, inert substance that is quarried and processed without explosives and chemicals, right here in our own backyard?
3 comments ↓
Very interesting post, Carter. I had no idea the quarry in Alberene was the largest of it’s kind in the world. Thanks for sharing.
Meredith,
Thanks for stopping by. Just to clarify, the quarry itself is not the largest in the world. The actual soapstone deposit, which runs southwest from North Garden, is widely accepted as the largest of its kind in the world.
I really enjoyed reading this AND the story about growing up in Charlottesville with the Dogwood Parade and festivities. I would like to read more like both of these - stories about what it was like when Ch’ville was smaller and articles having to do with the natural resources in the area, as well as information about building and living “green”. You have such a big company with many talented people who must have a lot to say - I am sure I am not the only one who would enjoy reading about the “old days” and the current times. Thanks for taking the time to write.
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