soapstone

[ sohp-stohn ]
/ ˈsoʊpˌstoʊn /

noun

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

Origin of soapstone

First recorded in 1675–85; soap + stone

Words nearby soapstone

soapbox, soaper, soapfish, soapie, soapolallie, soapstone, soapsuds, soapwort, soapy, soar, soaraway

Example sentences from the Web for soapstone

British Dictionary definitions for soapstone

soapstone
/ (ˈsəʊpˌstəʊn) /

noun

a massive compact soft variety of talc, used for making tabletops, hearths, ornaments, etc Also called: steatite

Word Origin for soapstone

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

Scientific definitions for soapstone

soapstone
[ sōp′stōn′ ]

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.