The term SOAPSTONE is a combination of two words, STEATITE and TALC. STEATITE is an igneous rock composed mainly of TALC, which is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. TALC is a soft mineral that is used in a variety of products, including cosmetics, paint, and soap. Together, these two words form the term SOAPSTONE, which is a type of metamorphic rock composed of both TALC and STEATITE. It is often used for carving and as a building material.