metamorphic
Carved Soapstone (Steatite)
Steatite (talc-rich metamorphic rock)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 1 - 2.5 on Mohs scale (very soft, easily carved with a knife or fingernail); Color: mottled pinkish-brown, tan, and greyish-green; Luster: greasy to waxy; Specific gravity: 2.7 - 2.8; Texture: soapy or greasy feel to the touch.
- Hardness
- 1 - 2
- Color
- mottled pinkish-brown, tan, and greyish-green
- Luster
- greasy to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 1 - 2.5 on Mohs scale (very soft, easily carved with a knife or fingernail); Color: mottled pinkish-brown, tan, and greyish-green; Luster: greasy to waxy; Specific gravity: 2.7 - 2.8; Texture: soapy or greasy feel to the touch.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional or hydrothermal metamorphism of magnesium-rich ultramafic rocks (such as peridotite or serpentinite) or impure siliceous dolostones in subduction or collision zones.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for ornamental sculptures, artisanal figurines, carved eggs, hearths, countertop surfaces, and laboratory sinks due to its heat resistance and low chemical reactivity.
Geological facts
Soapstone has been used by human cultures worldwide for thousands of years, notably by Inuit artisans in North America and Kisii carvers in Kenya, valued specifically for its softness and high thermal retention capacity.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its characteristic soapy feel, softness (easily scratched by a coin or fingernail), and resistance to acids. Famous artisanal sources include Kisii in western Kenya, Minas Gerais in Brazil, and various regions across India and China.
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