Soapstone
“Soft enough to carve, tough enough to last”
Metamorphic
Soapstone (or steatite) is a talc-rich metamorphic rock with a distinctly greasy or soapy feel. Despite being one of the softest rocks around, it's remarkably durable and heat-resistant, making it valued for everything from countertops to woodstove linings.
Composition
talc, chlorite, pyroxene, magnetite, amphibole
Where Found
Brazil, India, Finland, Virginia (USA), Zimbabwe, Quebec (Canada)
Mohs Hardness
1-2
Fun Fact
The Inuit people have carved soapstone into tools, lamps, and art for thousands of years because it's soft enough to shape with simple hand tools yet highly resistant to heat.
Test Your Knowledge
Why does soapstone excel as a material for wood-burning stoves and heated surfaces?
Related Specimens
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