Soapstone

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈsoʊpˌstoʊn/

Definitions

1. A soft, metamorphic rock primarily made of talc, this material is smooth to the touch and is often carved for artistic sculptures, kitchenware, and other functional items
2. This rock, mostly composed of talc and associated minerals, is prized for its softness and smooth texture, making it suitable for carving, kitchen utensils, and decorative art
3. A type of soft, metamorphic rock typically rich in talc, it is recognized for its smooth surface and ease of carving, resulting in items such as sculptures and cookware

Etymology: Soapstone is talc-rich rock whose slippery, greasy feel recalls a bar of soap, and the name was given for exactly that reason: the stone resembles soap in its feel, its appearance, and how easily it can be carved. English speakers were describing it this way by about 1681, when the naturalist Nehemiah Grew used the term in his writings. The word is a plain compound of "soap" and "stone," so nothing about its making is hidden. What makes it notable is that the comparison was made with an everyday household object rather than with a precious or scientific material, which tells you how familiar soap was to the people who first handled the rock.

Synonyms: steatite