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

“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

Some of the things that make up the style include reclaimed flooring, stone, brick, granite and soapstone.

From Seattle Times