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Steatite in its raw mineral form
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The lid of a soapstone box. The lid is 4 inches wide (10 cm).
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A block of talc
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Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) 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 and metasomatism, which occurs at the areas where tectonic plates are subducted, changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years.
Steatite is relatively soft (because of the high talc content, talc being one on Mohs hardness scale), and may feel soapy when touched, hence the name. Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, coasters, 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 archaeological period. Soapstone is sometimes used for fireplace surrounds and woodstoves because it can absorb and evenly distribute heat while being easy to manufacture. This is found in many upscale Alaskan and Scandinavian homes. It is also used for griddles and other cookware. Generally, suppliers of soapstone counter tops recommend the use of mineral oil to enhance the color of soapstone. Mineral oil, also known as liquid petrolatum, is a by product in the distillation of petroleum when producing gasoline, will not produce the desired darker appearance of black coloration with one application.[citation needed] It takes many applications over a long period of time to get to an acceptable difference in the color. Soapstone naturally forms a patina over time, similar to the oxidization process that occurs with other materials like copper.[citation needed] A weathered or aged appearance will occur naturally over time as the patina is enhanced. Applying mineral oil will simply darken the appearance of the stone; it will not and does not protect it in any way. |
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