Soap stone is the common name of the steatite metamorphic rock. It is a soft stone. It is formed
beneath the earth and is quarried just like marble or granite.
Soap stone bird baths and sinks have been in use for ages. It is a water
resistant inert stone. Alkalies and acids don't affect the soap stone as
they do to marble, granite or limestone. Soapstone is most suitable foe
counter tops, sinks, fountains and outdoor décor. Though it is soft and
soapy to touch, it is absolutely non absorbent. Artistic figures can be
chiseled out from soap stone. Carved soap stone sculptures adorn the
gardens and open patios without getting damaged and withered for ages.
There are two Soapstone varieties, artistic and architectural. Artistic
soapstones have more talc content, are very soft and are used for carving,
inlay work and as welder's pencils. Architectural soapstone have a little
lesser talc and are used as counter tops, floorings and sinks.
Other Soapstone products are shower stalls, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds,
fireplace fireboxes, windowsills, lintels and planters. Their color range
from white to gray or green and it has a typical soapy feel. Indian
soapstone quarries are present in Gujarat and Rajasthan. These states also
excel in the crafting of soapstone.
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