Soapstone

Soapstone, or steatite, metamorphic rock consisting largely of compacted talc with some serpentine and carbonates, formed by alteration of peridotite. Soft and soapy to the touch, soapstone has been used from prehistoric times for carvings and vessels. When fired it becomes hard and is used for insulators. The chief deposits are in the United States, Canada, and Norway.

See also: Talc.