Application
Soap Stone is a natural hydrous magnesium silicate known for its unique properties and versatility. This material has a pearly or greasy luster and a distinct greasy feel, with a Mohs hardness of 1-1.5, though it may be harder when impure. Soap Stone exhibits high resistance to acids, alkalies, and heat, making it an ideal choice for various applications. It serves as a pigment in paints and varnishes, a filler in paper, rubber, and soap, and a lubricant for molds and machinery. Additionally, its heat insulation qualities enhance its utility. While the compact, massive varieties of this material are termed steatite, the foliated types are recognized as talc. Soap Stone, being an impure form of steatite, benefits from excellent electrical properties and low cost. It is easily formed and fired at low temperatures, although compositions with minimal clay or plastic content pose fabrication challenges due to a narrow firing range. Despite this, steatite parts are vacuum-tight, can be easily bonded to other materials, and may be glazed or ground for high-quality surface finishes.