Soapstone - The Wonder Rock

Hello World! Today's review is all about the wonders of soapstone. Did you know that soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock that contains a lot of talc? It is quarried in India, Finland, Brazil and central Virginia in the U.S. It has been used for thousands of years as a medium for carving because it is a soft stone. It was also used to make cooking pots and other vessels. 

Today, soapstone is used for counter tops and interior surfacing. Welders and fabricators use the stone as a marker because it is very heat-resistant. Soapstones are used to make wood-burning ovens and are appreciated by bakers because these ovens are easy to keep clean. The stove gives an even heat for bread or pizza, and the surface can be used as a griddle for crepes or pancakes. 

Some cosmetic manufacturers use soapstone as a base for pigments because, when it is ground to a fine dust, it has properties similar to talc but is more compact. It is used for pressed power, eye shadow and blush. Powdered soapstone is used as a lubricant for machines when it is mixed with oil or grease. It is very soft so it doesn’t scratch the machinery, but it is sometimes needed when the liquid oil or grease is too slippery to work effectively. 

Soapstone marking chalk is used in the welding industry because of its high heat resistance and because it will not contaminate the weld. The marks are very easily removed. Soapstone markers are available in round or square shapes and are packed to avoid breakage during shipping.

I never knew soapstone had so many uses!  Really quite fantastic.  Thanks for stopping in for a visit!  Have a great rest of your day and remember to be kind to one another!  Fear Not!  

Toodles,

Kathryn

***The Dedicated House was compensated for this review.***