_It is somewhat more than twice as heavy as water; and is distinguished from indurated talc (135) by not splitting, like that substance, into slaty fragments._ In the counties of Devon and Cornwall, and the islands in the vicinity of the Lizard Point, this mineral is found in considerable abundance. It possesses many of the same properties as fullers’ earth, and is, like that substance, employed in the scouring of woollen cloths. When mixed with water it may be formed into a paste; and, in this state, it is easily worked, like clay, for the manufacture of earthen ware. In the porcelain manufactory at Worcester considerable quantities of steatite are employed. According to Dr. Shaw, the Arabs use it in their baths, instead of soap, to soften the skin. As it becomes hard in the fire, and does not alter its shape, this substance has been successfully adopted for imitations of engraved gems. The subjects are engraved upon it with great ease in its natural state; it is then exposed to a strong heat; afterwards polished, and then coloured by means of certain metallic solutions. We are informed by travellers, that some of the savage tribes eat steatite, either alone, or mixed with their food, to deceive hunger. The inhabitants of New Caledonia eat considerable quantities of it. Humboldt, the South American traveller, assures us that the Otomacks, a savage race of people, who live on the banks of the Orinoco, are almost wholly supported, during three months of the year, by eating species of steatite, or potter’s clay, which they first slightly bake, and then moisten with water. M. Golberry says that the negroes near the mouth of the Senegal mix their rice with a white kind of steatite, and eat it without inconvenience. In some parts of Spain a variety of steatite is found, which is used by artists under the name of Spanish chalk. When slightly burned, this mineral is sometimes used as the basis of rouge. 125. FIGURE STONE _is a kind of steatite, which has, internally, a glimmering and resinous lustre, and a slaty or splintery fracture_. From its softness, and yet solidity of texture, this mineral can easily be fashioned into various shapes, even with a knife. Hence in China, where it frequently occurs, it is cut into grotesque figures of various kinds, which the French call _magots de la Chine_, into cups, vases, pagodas, snuff─boxes, and other articles. 126. _MEERSCHAUM, or SEA─FROTH, is a singular kind of mineral, of yellowish or greyish white colour, sometimes so light as to float in water: when fresh dug it has nearly the consistence of wax._ _If exposed to a strong heat, it becomes so hard as to yield sparks with steel._