Steatite is a massive metamorphic rock consisting chiefly of talc (Mg₃ (Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₂), but usually containing a mixture of other hydrated magnesium silicate minerals. It is usually white or gray and colour, but it can be smoke-black. It also has a greasy or silky luster. The rock is a variety of soapstone and of course is a very soft and easy to carve with a fingernail (Mohs' hardness 1). Steatite was mined in by the Egyptians in ancient times at Wadi Gulan, and can also be found at Gebel Amr near Aswan, Bir Muelih, and Gebel Fatira (Lucas and Harris, 1962). It has been used from Badarian period onward for beads, vases, and other small objects, which were sometimes glazed. It was also excessively used for scarabs.

References

Lucas, A. & Harris, J.R. (1962) Ancient Egyptian materials and industries. E. Arnold, London, 523 p.

a) Bowls

b) Vases

c) Statues, Statuettes

New Kingdom period (18th Dynasty) part of a statuette of Queen Tiye in green steatite (height:. 7.2 cm; Egyptian Museum, Cairo). (note: 2nd Image on webpage)

d) Misc objects

Second Intermediate period (15-17th Dynasty) steatite inscribed scarab (length: 2.0 cm, private collection)

Second Intermediate period (15-17th Dynasty) steatite inscribed scarab (length: 1.7 cm, private collection)

Second Intermediate period  (15-17th Dynasty) steatite inscribed scarab (length: 1.8 cm, private collection)

Second Intermediate period  (15-17th Dynasty) steatite inscribed scarab (length: 1.7 cm, private collection)

New Kingdom period (18th Dynasty) a green glazed steatite bundle-backed seal (length: 1.5 cm, private collection)

Steatite sarabs (Egyptian Museum, Cairo)

Steatite scarabs (private collection)