noun

soapstone

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Soapstone (noun) means a soft rock rich in talc that also contains serpentine and either magnetite, dolomite or calcite. Example: “The carving was cut from a block of grey soapstone.”

noun

geology A soft rock rich in talc that also contains serpentine and either magnetite, dolomite or calcite.

"The carving was cut from a block of grey soapstone."

"Soapstone is soft enough to shape with hand tools."

"Its soft, soapy feel is what earned the rock its name."

How to use soapstone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA soft talc-rich rock that is easy to carve.

When to use it

Outside its everyday use for carvings and worktops, the word also has a precise geological sense.

Memory tip

The soft, soapy feel of the rock is the easiest way to remember how it got its name.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

block of soapstone carved from soapstone soapstone worktop soapstone carving

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “soapstone” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The carving was cut from a block of grey _____.

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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soaprock steatite

Rhymes for soapstone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of soapstone?

"soapstone" (noun) means a soft rock rich in talc that also contains serpentine and either magnetite, dolomite or calcite.