For centuries, the Inuit of Canada have used soapstone for totems and carvings, and other Native American tribes have used soapstone implements for cooking. As consumers search for natural alternatives to everyday manufactured items, such as cookware, soapstone has once again become popular. Because soapstone comes from a variety of locations worldwide, it is a relatively inexpensive material to use in manufacturing.

Cookware

Soapstone cookware has been popular since the Stone Age because it is easy to carve and simple to clean. In addition to these properties, soapstone has a natural nonstick surface that allows home cooks to sauté delicate items without the use of fatty cooking oils. Soapstone vessels heat evenly and do not develop hot spots. Any cooking vessel can be made of soapstone, but the most popular items are pizza stones, Dutch ovens, and other pots.

Stoves

Bakers appreciate natural soapstone wood-fired ovens because they are easy to clean and provide an even heat that is ideal for pizzas and breads. The cook top provides an ideal griddle for pancakes or crepes. On several models, you can read the temperature from a thermostat located on the outside of the oven, which allows you to monitor and regulate the heat.

Base for Pigments and Cosmetics

Ground soapstone makes an ideal base for pigments and cosmetics because when ground, it has properties similar to talc, but is more compact. This quality makes soapstone useful for powders such as face powder and pressed powder cosmetics like eyeshadow or blush. Ground soapstone has a soft, silky feel that does not absorb grease so it will not cake when used in this way.

Lubricant

Manufacturers use powdered soapstone mixed with grease or oil as a lubricant for machines with hard surfaces. In some instances, greases or liquid lubricants alone cannot be used because they are too slippery for effective machine operation. The soapstone is soft enough not to scratch or damage the surfaces of machines but has a slippery feel that allows the gears and delicate parts of machines to operate.