1. a soft metamorphic rock composed largely of talc, used for carving and making heat-resistant objects

Examples

• The artist carved a beautiful sculpture from soapstone.
• Soapstone countertops are popular because they resist heat and stains.
• The old wood stove had a soapstone surround that retained heat well.
• Native Americans traditionally used soapstone to make bowls and pipes.
• The geology class examined samples of soapstone and other metamorphic rocks.
• Soapstone feels smooth and slippery to the touch, like soap.