Soapstone

10.01.2025

Soapstone

Why in the news?   

Recently, the Uttarakhand High Court pulled up the authorities for unregulated soapstone mining in Bageshwar, a district with more than 160 mines at present.

About Soapstone:

• Also known as Steatite, it is a metamorphic rock made of talc, a naturally occurring mineral.
• It is used in construction and design for countertops, sinks, hearths, and sculptures.
• Depending on the quarry from which it is sourced, this natural stone also contains varying amounts of other minerals such as micas, chlorite, amphiboles, quartz, magnesite, and carbonates.

How Does Soapstone Form?

○Soapstone, most often, forms at convergent plate boundaries where broad areas of Earth’s crust are subjected to heat and directed pressure.

○Peridotites, dunites, and serpentinites in this environment can be metamorphosed into soapstone.

○On a smaller scale, soapstone can form where siliceous dolostones are altered by hot, chemically active fluids in a process known as metasomatism.

• Properties: It is a relatively soft, very dense, highly heat-resistant material.
• Major producing countries: China, India, Brazil, USA and Finland
• Major reserves in India: According to the Indian Bureau of Mines, the states of Rajasthan(57%) and Uttarakhand (25%) boast substantial reserves of soapstone in India.

Applications of Soapstone:

• Soapstone in powdered form, often combined with corn starch, is used as baby powder.
• This mineral is used as a thickening agent and lubricant; is an ingredient in ceramics, paint, and roofing material; and is a main ingredient in many cosmetics.
• Talc is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

                                                                  Source: Indian Express

With reference to ‘Soapstone’, consider the following statements:

1. It is a metamorphic rock made of talc.

2. It is a naturally occurring mineral with high heat-resistant properties.

3. In India, it is only found in the state of Rajasthan.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only One

B.Only Two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B