Minerals

• Soapstone is mainly composed of the mineral talc, which is hydrated magnesium silicate. Another mineral that soapstone is made of, although in smaller amounts than talc, is magnesium.
  
  

Production

• Soapstone is produced naturally at the points where one tectonic plate slides under another. Here, a mixture of heat and pressure, combined with various fluids, changes metamorphic rock into soapstone.
  
  

Carvings

• Soapstone is a soft stone that is perfect for carving. It has been used in India to create sculptures and even the Hoysala Empire temples. Native Americans carved smoking pipes out of them, and Chinese artists often used soapstone for their crafts.
  
  

Marking

• Soapstone is often used as a marker by welders and metalworkers. This is because it has a high tolerance to heat and will not get burned away when metal is tempered.
  
  

Warning

• Soapstone is popular around the world, but production is starting to become problematic. In India, quarrying of this stone has become very dangerous for the local tiger populations, which has caused environmental groups to act out against the demand for the stone.