Soapstone also known as Steatite is a metamorphic rock that consists primarily of talc. Depending on the quarry from which it is sourced, it also contains varying amounts of other minerals such as micas, chlorite, amphiboles, quartz, magnesite and carbonates. Soapstone is formed by metamorphism alteration of minerals in a rock, usually due to heat and pressure and metasomatism chemical alteration of a rock , which occurs in the zones where tectonic plates are subducted.
All Brazilian soapstone is quarried in the state of Minas Gerais, very far from the Amazon Rainforest approximately 2, miles [4. There are less than 10 active soapstone quarries in Brazil and less than 2 in the US. To put that in perspective, there are currently 80 active marble quarries in Carrara Italy alone. Soapstone is very dense 2. Usually soapstone is formed at convergent plate boundaries. Soapstone can also be formed from the altering of dolostones by hot and chemically active fluids through metasomatism.
Native American uses for soapstone When it came to cooking, Native Americans would mold cooking bowls out of soapstone. Other historical uses for soapstone During the Revolutionary War, soapstone was used to create bullet molds since it was easy to carve, heat resistant, and durable.
Soapstone has also been used as control panels for high voltage equipment. It is also used for carvings and sculptures. Soapstone has also been known to be cut into small cubes and refrigerated as whiskey stones. These stones were used instead of ice as a means of chilling the whiskey drink for over thirty minutes while keeping it undiluted. Modern soapstone uses Today, soapstone continues to be used in a variety of means. As a countertop, soapstone remains unaffected by heat and stains.
Although susceptible to scratches, a gentle sanding and mineral oil treatment help restore a soapstone countertop to better condition.
Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on pinterest Pinterest. They use this material to make pots, used to carry fat for massaging into their skin to guard against the elements. Combarbalite stone, exclusively mined in Combarbala, Chile, is known for its many colors. While they are not visible during mining, they come out after refining. Jenson Vanities James Martin Vanities. Design Services What's New?
What is Limestone? What is Marble? What is Sandstone? What is Shale? What is Slate? The talc makes Tulikivi soapstone easy to work. Thanks to its exceptionally high magnesite content, it also has excellent strength properties. Although soapstone is easy to work, it has a dense structure and is not porous.
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