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Steatite
A rock composed almost exclusively of the mineral talc (Mg3Si410(OH)2). It is similar in composition to serpentine, but contains less water. It is quite soft with a soapy feel (giving it its other name of soapstone). Steatite is a common material for scarabs and seals; these are generally glazed, and in the firing steatite turns to the far harder material enstatite
examples
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Aston/Harrell/Shaw
2000: 58-59
Aston 1994: 59-60
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