steatile

Steatile, also known as soapstone, is a metamorphic rock. It is primarily composed of the mineral talc, with varying amounts of magnesite, chlorite, dolomite, quartz, and amphiboles. Its name is derived from the Greek word "steatites," meaning soap, due to its characteristic slippery feel, a property that comes from the high talc content.

Steatile is known for its softness, making it relatively easy to carve and shape. This workability has led to its use in various applications throughout history, including sculptures, decorative objects, and cookware. Its density and low electrical conductivity also make it suitable for laboratory benchtops and electrical insulation.

The rock is typically grayish, whitish, greenish, or bluish in color and can be opaque or translucent. It forms when rocks rich in olivine and pyroxene are altered by hydrothermal magmatism or metamorphism. Because of its talc content, steatile is resistant to heat and chemical reactions, contributing to its durability and usefulness in applications where these properties are important. It is mined in various locations worldwide, including Finland, Brazil, India, and the United States.