soapstone
2 synonyms for soapstone, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft rock rich in talc that also contains serpentine and either magnetite, dolomite or calcite.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
soaprock
steatite
How to use soapstone
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
block of soapstone
carved from soapstone
soapstone worktop
soapstone carving
Outside its everyday use for carvings and worktops, the word also has a precise geological sense.
Etymology
The name joins soap and stone, because the classic varieties of the rock feel, look and carve rather like soap. The word is recorded from around 1681, in the writing of Nehemiah Grew.
Full origin of soapstone →Frequently asked questions
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a soft rock made mostly of talc, along with minerals such as serpentine and either magnetite, dolomite or calcite.
Why is it called soapstone?
It gets its name because the typical varieties feel and look somewhat like soap, and are easy to carve in a similar way.
Is soapstone the same as steatite?
The two names are often used for the same rock, though steatite can refer more specifically to certain varieties.
