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Soapstone

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	Soapstone
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	Topics Soapstone Topic Home Soapstone (also known as steatite or soaprock) is a metamorphic rockMetamorphic rock Metamorphic rock is the result of the transformation of a pre-existing rock type, the protolith, in a process called met... , a talc-schistSchist The schists form a group of medium-grade metamorphic rocks, chiefly notable for the preponderance of lamellar minerals such ... . It is largely composed of the mineral talcTalc Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg34 or Mg3Si4O102.... and is rich in magnesiumMagnesium Magnesium is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Mg and atomic number 12 and an atomic mass... . It is produced by dynamothermal metamorphismMetamorphism Metamorphism can be defined as the solid state recrystallisation of pre-existing rocks due to changes in heat and/or pressur... and metasomatismMetasomatism Metasomatism is the chemical alteration of a rock by hydrothermal fluids.... , which occurs at the areas where tectonic plates are subductedSubduction In geology, a subduction zone is an area on Earth where two tectonic plates meet and move towards one another, with one slid... , changing rocks by heat and pressure, with influx of fluids, but without melting. It has been a medium for carving for thousands of years. Petrology PetrologicallyPetrology Overview Petrology is a field of geology which focuses on the study of rocks and the conditions by which they form.... , soapstone is composed dominantly of talcTalc Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg34 or Mg3Si4O102.... , with varying amounts of chloriteChlorite group Chlorite is a group of phyllosilicate minerals often classified as clays.... and amphiboleAmphibole Amphibole defines an important group of generally dark-colored rock-forming inosilicate minerals composed of double chain Si... s (typically tremoliteTremolite Tremolite is a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals with composition: Ca2Mg5Si8O222.... , anthophylliteAnthophyllite Summary Anthophyllite is an amphibole mineral:7Si8O222, magnesium iron inosilicate hydroxide.... , and magnesiocummingtoniteCummingtonite Cummingtonite or magnesium iron silicate hydroxide is a metamorphic index mineral with the chemical composition7Si8O22... ), and trace to minor FeCr-oxideFacts About Oxide An oxide is a chemical compound of oxygen with other chemical elements.... s. It may be schistFacts About Schist The schists form a group of medium-grade metamorphic rocks, chiefly notable for the preponderance of lamellar minerals such ... ose or massive. Soapstone is formed by the metamorphism of ultramaficUltramafic rock Ultramafic rocks are igneous rocks with very low silica content, generally >18% MgO, high FeO, low potassium and are compose... protolithProtolith Protolith refers to the precursor rock of a given lithology.... s (e.g. duniteDunite Dunite is an igneous, plutonic rock, of ultramafic composition, with coarse grained or phaneritic texture.... or serpentiniteFacts About Serpentinite Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock comprised of an admixture of serpentine minerals.... ) and the metasomatismMetasomatism Metasomatism is the chemical alteration of a rock by hydrothermal fluids.... of siliceous dolostoneDolostone Dolostone is a sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite.... s. PyrophyllitePyrophyllite Pyrophyllite is a phyllosilicate mineral species belonging to the clay family and composed of aluminium silicate hydroxide: ... , a mineral very similar to talc is sometimes called soapstone in the generic sense since its physical characteristics and industrial uses are similar, and because it is also commonly used as a carving material. However this mineral typically does not have such a soapy feel from which soapstone derives its name. Other names Kisii stone from Kenya is a type of pyrophyllite used by the Kisii peopleKisii people Overview Kisii is a Bantu tribe which inhabits Kisii District in Nyanza, western Kenya.... of the Tabaka Hills in Western Kenya. They use this material to make pots, used to carry fat for massaging into their skin to guard against the elements. Combarbalite stone, exclusively mined in Combarbala, Chile, is known for its many colors. While they are not visible during mining, they appear after refining. Palewa and gorara stones are types of Indian soapstone. A variety of other regional and marketing names for soapstone are used. See also Ultramafic rockUltramafic rock Ultramafic rocks are igneous rocks with very low silica content, generally >18% MgO, high FeO, low potassium and are compose... Talc carbonateTalc carbonate Talc carbonate is a geologic term for a suite of rock and mineral compositions found in metamorphic ultramafic rocks.... SerpentiniteSerpentinite Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock comprised of an admixture of serpentine minerals.... List of mineralsList of minerals Overview This is a List of minerals for which there are Wikipedia articles.... External links (The Central States Archaeological Journal) (Geological Society of America) (Antiquity Journal) (North Carolina Office of State Archaeology)