Encyclopedia > Steatite

Article Content

Steatite

The name steatite is used for two related concepts:

1. A type of soapstone which is almost purely talc.

2. A type of ceramic material made from soapstone with minor additives and heated to vitrify. 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.

Featured Article

Monty Woolley

... Wilder) who began acting on Broadway in 1936. He was typecast as the wasp-tongued, supercillious sophisticate. His most famous role is that of the cranky professor ...