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