Soapstone

Soapstone (also called steatite) is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, the softest mineral on the Mohs scale. It forms when magnesium-rich rocks like serpentinite or dunite undergo hydrothermal alteration, converting original minerals into talc, chlorite, and other soft sheet silicates.

The 'soapy' feel that gives it its name comes from the talc content. This extreme softness makes soapstone the easiest natural stone to carve, which is why it has been used for sculpture, cookware, and decorative objects for thousands of years. Inuit carvings, West African sculptures, Chinese seal stones, and Brazilian artisan work all rely on soapstone's carvability.

Despite its softness, soapstone has remarkable thermal properties. It absorbs heat slowly, holds it for a long time, and releases it gradually. Finnish and Scandinavian soapstone stoves, which store heat from a brief fire and radiate it for hours, have been used since the 1700s. Soapstone is also chemically inert, making it ideal for laboratory countertops and acid-resistant sinks.

Soapstone is identified by its soapy, greasy feel, extreme softness (easily scratched with a fingernail), and gray-green color. It can be carved with a pocket knife. The surface feels distinctly slippery, almost waxy.

Distinguish from serpentine (harder, doesn't feel soapy), marble (harder, effervesces in acid), and jade (much harder, can't be scratched with a knife).