How To Identify Soapstone Carvings

Slabs that may look like soapstone but are not.

How to identify soapstone carvings. Soapstone is a mineral rock that comes in many varieties and colors but is always soft enough to scratch with a fingernail. It comes in different colors including green and pink. If thin it is transluscent.

Soap Carving Tree Carving Harry Potter Pumpkin Carving Awesome Pumpkin Carvings Clay Pipes Soapstone Carving Wood Carving Patterns Africa Art Art Carved More information. It is cold to the touch. It is assigned a rating of 2 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Block soapstone is used as refractory material for metalworkers crayons sculpture and the recently revived griddle plates. When held to the light soapstone has a smooth greasy silky milky luster. Once the shape is complete carve designs into the sides for an added personal touch.

Soapstone carvings are generally not expensive and the quality of the carving and the size and colouring of the soapstone contribute to the determination of value. You were very close and your inclination to check the carving with artist you think it might be was a good decision. Also look to see if light comes through the stone.

Due to the specific make up of Steatite and talc soapstone has qualities that are unique. But like other high end products there are imposters out there. Soapstone is an attractive stone that has long been used for both practical and decorative purposes.

The etched stone at the base of the bird carving also helps place it in this community. Does anyone know what is used in Zimbabwe to polish the soapstone. You will be quick to find that soapstone carving is very dusty.