03 Nov 2020 Hand Carved Designer Soapstone Products for Table Decor

Soapstone (also known as steatite, or soap rock) is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock. It is largely composed of the mineral talc and is thus rich in magnesium. Soapstone is relatively soft because of its high talc content. Softer grades may feel soapy when touched, hence the name and thus it has been a medium for carving for thousands of years.

Soapstone Business Cards Holder, Kenya

Soapstone is quite a soft stone, which on the hardness scale is rated at one, compared to a diamond, which is ten.  It is also non-porous so it will not stain, like granite or marble.  Water cannot penetrate it, nor will it tear apart from freezing. It is a fairly old stone found in nature. It ranges in age from 300 to 400 million years old.

Handmade Soapstone Nesting Elephant

Soapstone is used for inlaid designs, sculpture, designer utensils and kitchen counter tops and sinks. The Native American tribes often use soapstone for traditional carvings. Some Native American tribes and bands make bowls, cooking slabs, and other objects from soapstone; historically, this was particularly common during the Late Archaic archaeological period. Soapstone is extensively used as a medium for carving in Africa, Brazil, India, and other countries.

Kenyan Soapstone Long Neck Giraffe Dish

Currently, soapstone is most commonly used for architectural applications, such as counter tops and interior surfacing, but we can say that this is for more commercial use. While in modern times, African carvers, particularly in Kenya, are making beautiful carvings out of it, from table decor to kitchen decor, Soapstone table decor is worth a designer handicraft to beautify your home and office.

Heart-Shaped Soapstone Dish

Fair Trade brings finest soapstone table decor items created by the artisans of Africa and other countries. Craft Montaz showcases selected soapstone products for your table decor. You’ll love them! When you buy a Fair Trade soapstone table decor handicraft, you not only help the talented artisans, you recognize the finest of world handicrafts.

Finally here are some tips for your soapstone handicrafts. Caring for your fine soapstone sculptures or carvings, should take little more than a careful dusting now and then. Soapstone is a ‘soft’ rock. Fingernails and jewelry can scratch it. If it is dropped, there is a possibility that will break. Like any other valuable art, it should be handled with care.

Pushpita is a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.