Hypertext Webster Gateway: "steatite"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Steatite \Ste"a*tite\, n. [Gr. ?, ?, 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}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Talc \Talc\, 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.
{Indurated talc}, an impure, slaty talc, with a nearly
compact texture, and greater hardness than common talc; --
called also {talc slate}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
steatite
n : a soft heavy compact variety of talc having a soapy feel;
used to make hearths and tabletops and ornaments [syn: {soapstone},
{soaprock}]
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