Steatite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Steatite (ste-a-tite), also known as potstone and lapis ollaris, is a type of soapstone which is almost purely talc. It is also a type of ceramic material made from soapstone with minor additives and heated to vitrify (to change or make into glass or a glassy substance, especially through heat fusion). It is often used as an insulator or housing for electrical components, due to its durability and electrical characteristics and since it can be pressed into complex shapes before firing. It has been produced for thousands of years; e.g., for beads and seals in ancient civilisations. When steatite is fired with high heat it produces a much harder variation known as instatite.
See also: List of minerals
