This is the new PA ORIGINAL variety of soapstone. Its not from Pennsylvania or Philadelphia. PA stands for “Pinheiros Altos”, which is the state in Minas Gerais Brazil, where the quarry is from. Its also known as “Black” Soapstone, Saratoga and Stormy Black. This is a very hard variety, compared to most types that come from Brazil. If you’re not too keen on your counter-tops accumulating a lot of patina, then this is the choice for you! This is a 4-5 on the Moh’s scale, so its considered a hard soapstone. Its whimsical vein pattern is surround by a beautiful aqua grey background when raw and charcoal when oiled.