soapstone

[ sohp-stohn ]

noun

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

soapstone

/ ˈsəʊpˌstəʊn /

noun

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

soapstone

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soapstone¹

First recorded in 1675–85; soap + stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of soapstone¹

C17: so called because it has a greasy feel and was sometimes used as soap

Example Sentences

The Piedmont also has a great variety of rocks, including granite and soapstone which are currently commercially important.

From Project Gutenberg

Sammy Soapstone had blue eyes and tow hair which stood up straight on his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Sophy Soapstone had blue eyes, too, and two neat little pigtails down her back.

From Project Gutenberg

Glass is liable to crack, while lava or the soapstone insulating bushings absorb oil.

From Project Gutenberg

They use in making the copies a limestone of fine and compact grain, soapstone, serpentine and alabaster.

From Project Gutenberg