metamorphic
Soapstone mushroom decorative carving
Steatite (Hydrous magnesium silicate, Mg3Si4O10(OH)2)
Hardness: 1.0 - 2.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Grayish-green with lighter banding; Luster: Greasy or waxy; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.7 - 2.8
- Hardness
- 1
- Color
- Grayish-green with lighter banding
- Luster
- Greasy or waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 1.0 - 2.5 (Mohs scale); Color: Grayish-green with lighter banding; Luster: Greasy or waxy; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.7 - 2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of ultramafic rocks (like dunite or peridotite) or the metasomatism of magnesian limestones. This specimen has been carved and polished into a decorative shape.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative ornaments, sculpture, and historically for laboratory tabletops or fireplace liners due to high thermal mass and chemical resistance.
Geological facts
Soapstone is named for its soapy feel, which is a result of its high talc content. It has been used by various cultures for thousands of years, including the Inuit for cooking bowls and Norsemen for jewelry.
Field identification & locations
Identification includes a characteristic slippery or soapy feel to the touch; it is soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail. Found in mountain ranges where tectonic plates have collided.
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