Soapstone

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It has been suggested that Steatite be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

The lid of a soapstone box to show the characteristic look of the stone. The lid is 4 inches wide (10 cm).

Soapstone (also known as steatite) is a metamorphic rock, a talc-schist. It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism, which occurs at the areas where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting.

It is relatively soft (because of the high talc content, talc being 1 on Mohs hardness scale), and may feel soapy when touched, hence the name. Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, and kitchen countertops and sinks. Traditional Inuit carvings often use soapstone, and some Native American groups made bowls, cooking slabs, and other objects from soapstone, particularly during the Late Archaic archaeolocial period. Soapstone is sometimes used for fireplace surrounds and woodstoves because it can absorb and evenly distribute heat while being easy to manufacture. It is also used for griddles and other cookware.

Soapstone is also used by welders and fabricators as a marker because, due to its resistance to heat, it remains visible when heat is applied.

Soapstone smoking pipes are also found, for example, among smokers of Cannabis sativa.

Soapstone is also used to create molds for the casting of pewter objects.