1.
[syn: soapstone, soaprock, soap-rock, steatite]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Soapstone \Soap"stone`\, n.
See Steatite, and Talc.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Steatite \Ste"a*tite\ (-t[imac]t), n. [Gr. ste`ar, ste`atos,
fat, tallow: cf. F. st['e]atite.] (Min.)
A massive variety of talc, of a grayish green or brown color.
It forms extensive beds, and is quarried for fireplaces and
for coarse utensils. Called also potstone, lard stone,
and soapstone.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Talc \Talc\ (t[a^]lk), n. [F. talc; cf. Sp. & It. talco, LL.
talcus; all fr. Ar. talq.] (Min.)
A soft mineral of a soapy feel and a greenish, whitish, or
grayish color, usually occurring in foliated masses. It is
hydrous silicate of magnesia. Steatite, or soapstone, is
a compact granular variety.
[1913 Webster]
Indurated talc, an impure, slaty talc, with a nearly
compact texture, and greater hardness than common talc; --
called also talc slate.
[1913 Webster] Talcose
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
soapstone
n 1: a soft heavy compact variety of talc having a soapy feel;
used to make hearths and tabletops and ornaments [syn:
soapstone, soaprock, soap-rock, steatite]