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Glite Dictionary
steatite

steatite

9.9
A soft heavy stone with a smooth soapy feel used to make sculptures, bowls, and heat safe countertops
  • noun
  • /ˈstiːəˌtaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esteatita
  • The museum displayed numerous decorative ornaments made of steatite, highlighting the craftsmanship of the region.
  • steatite source
  • ivory and steatite

Examples

  • It became clear that Harappans were exploiting steatite sources based on aesthetic preferences rather than proximity.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Objects created from steatite—a rock primarily composed of talc—make up nearly 40 percent of Harappa's stone and metal artifacts.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Las Bela could have been an important steatite source.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Black Hand sat to one side, carefully tamping willow bark into his steatite stone pipe before using a twig to light it.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Steatite can be found naturally in every major highland region surrounding the Indus Valley, but the richest deposits by far are in southern Rajasthan, India.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Around 800 statues in steatite (soapstone) were found together in the bush near the village of Esie.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The artist carved a beautiful figure from steatite, showcasing its smooth texture and intricate details.

  • Ancient people used steatite to create durable and heat-resistant tabletops for their cooking areas.

Synonyms

soapstone
vssteatite
2 6.5

A soft heavy rock with a smooth feel used for carving, fireplaces, and ornaments

is the same mineral but uses the older technical name
soap-rock
vssteatite
  • Specialized
9.9

A soft heavy stone with a smooth soapy feel used for carving vases and hearths

is the same mineral but uses the standard scientific name
soaprock
vssteatite
9.9

A soft, smooth stone with a soapy feel that people use to carve fireplaces, tables, and decorative items

is the same mineral but uses the standard scientific name

Surface Forms

steatite singular
steatites plural

Morphology

steatite = steat (opaque) = steat + ite

The combining form 'steat' is not a productive standalone English word and the mineral-forming suffix '-ite' is specialized, so learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Steatite comes from an old Greek root steat- meaning 'fat' or 'tallow', so it was thought of as a 'fat' stone. It is also called soapstone because the rock feels smooth and soapy, and that soft, soapy feel explains why people use it for hearths, tabletops, and carved ornaments.