Soapstone (also known as steatite, or soaprock) is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock. source
Soapstone (also known as steatite, or soaprock) is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock.
Soapstone is largely composed of the mineral talc and is thus rich in magnesium. source
Soapstone is largely composed of the mineral talc and is thus rich in magnesium.
Soapstone is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism. source
Soapstone is produced by dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism.
Soapstone has been a medium for carving for thousands of years. source
Soapstone has been a medium for carving for thousands of years.
Petrologically, soapstone is composed dominantly of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite and amphiboles. source
Petrologically, soapstone is composed dominantly of talc, with varying amounts of chlorite and amphiboles.
Soapstones obsolete name, magnesiocummingtonite), and trace to minor iron-chromium oxides. source
Soapstones obsolete name, magnesiocummingtonite), and trace to minor iron-chromium oxides.
soapstone may be schistose or massive. source
soapstone may be schistose or massive.
Soapstone is formed by the metamorphism of ultramafic protoliths (e.g. dunite or serpentinite) and the metasomatism of siliceous dolostones. source
Soapstone is formed by the metamorphism of ultramafic protoliths (e.g. dunite or serpentinite) and the metasomatism of siliceous dolostones.
Sometimes called soapstone in the generic sense since its physical characteristics and industrial uses are similar. source
Sometimes called soapstone in the generic sense since its physical characteristics and industrial uses are similar.
Soapstone is commonly used as a carving material. However, this mineral typically does not have such a soapy feel as soapstone. source
Soapstone is commonly used as a carving material. However, this mineral typically does not have such a soapy feel as soapstone.
Soapstone is relatively soft because of its high talc content, talc having a definitional value of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. source
Soapstone is relatively soft because of its high talc content, talc having a definitional value of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale.
There is no fixed hardness for soapstone because the amount of talc it contains varies widely. source
There is no fixed hardness for soapstone because the amount of talc it contains varies widely.
Soapstone is often used as an insulator for housing and electrical components, due to its durability and electrical characteristics. source
Soapstone is often used as an insulator for housing and electrical components, due to its durability and electrical characteristics.
Soapstone can be pressed into complex shapes before firing. source
Soapstone can be pressed into complex shapes before firing.
Soapstone undergoes transformations when heated to temperatures of 1000–1200 °C into enstatite and cristobalite; in the Mohs scale. source
Soapstone undergoes transformations when heated to temperatures of 1000–1200 °C into enstatite and cristobalite; in the Mohs scale.
Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, coasters, and kitchen countertops and sinks. source
Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, coasters, and kitchen countertops and sinks.
Vikings hewed soapstone directly from the stone face, shaped it into cooking-pots, and sold these at home and abroad. source
Vikings hewed soapstone directly from the stone face, shaped it into cooking-pots, and sold these at home and abroad.
Soapstone has been used in India for centuries as a medium for carving. source
Soapstone has been used in India for centuries as a medium for carving.
Soapstone can be used to create molds for casting objects from soft metals, such as pewter or silver. source
Soapstone can be used to create molds for casting objects from soft metals, such as pewter or silver.
Soapstones can be put in a freezer and later used in place of ice cubes to chill alcoholic beverages without diluting. source
Soapstones can be put in a freezer and later used in place of ice cubes to chill alcoholic beverages without diluting.