Definition

A type of soft stone that is mainly made of talc and is often used for carving and making objects like sculptures and bowls.

Example

The artist chose to carve the statue from steatite because of its softness and ease of shaping.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of steatite?

Yeah, isn't it a type of soapstone?

Exactly! It's often used for making sculptures and carvings.

That's cool! I love how unique steatite looks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Steatite comes from the Greek word "steatites" (meaning soapstone), which is derived from "steatos" (meaning fat or tallow). The word refers to a soft, talc-rich rock that resembles soap in texture and is often used for carving and making sculptures.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for fat ('steatos') to remember that steatite is a soft stone that feels smooth and fatty, much like soap.

Visually Confused Words