soapstone

American  

[sohp-stohn] / ˈsoʊpˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a massive variety of talc with a soapy or greasy feel, used for hearths, washtubs, tabletops, carved ornaments, etc.

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soapstone British  

/ ˈsəʊpˌstəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: steatite.  a massive compact soft variety of talc, used for making tabletops, hearths, ornaments, etc

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soapstone Scientific  

/ sōp′stōn′ /

1. A soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc, but also including chlorite, pyroxene, and amphibole. It has a schistose texture and is greasy to the touch. Soapstone forms through the alteration of ferromagnesian silicate minerals during metamorphism.

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Etymology

Origin of soapstone

First recorded in 1675–85; soap + stone

Example Sentences

Archaeologists have recovered thousands of clay-fired cooking balls and materials brought from faraway regions, such as quartz crystal from Arkansas, soapstone from the Atlanta area, and copper ornaments originating near the Great Lakes.

From Science Daily

“One easy way to refresh an original fireplace in an older home is to update the front hearth with a remnant stone slab like soapstone or marble,” she says.

From Seattle Times

One method of eco-friendly cooling that she would never consider is whiskey stones, those small cube-shaped rocks made of soapstone or stainless steel that are sold as ice alternatives.

From Scientific American

Carved from soapstone, they copy the crude softwood miniatures that kids build from dollhouse kits.

From New York Times

“Granite and slate,” he said each time we visited, “maybe a little soapstone, sprinkled with limestone and quartz. Minerals galore! It’s a smorgasbord of metamorphic marvels!”

From Literature