Are soapstone carvings expensive?
Soapstone carvings are generally not expensive and the quality of the carving and the size and colouring of the soapstone contribute to the determination of value. Colours of soapstone can vary and include off-white, red, green and brown.
How do you identify soapstone carvings?
Hold the stone up to the light. When you are looking at the way the light reflects off the stone, you are looking at luster. The luster of a piece of soapstone can be described variously as greasy, pearly or silky, depending on the variety of soapstone. Also look to see if light comes through the stone.
Who carved soapstone?
Soapstone’s use dates back to antiquity: early Egyptians carved it into scarabs and seals; in China and India it was used for ornaments, implements and domestic utensils. It was similarly used at various times over the past 7,500 years by First Nations, Inuit and Norse in Canada (see Inuit Art).
How can you identify an Inuit carving?
Most authentic contemporary Inuit sculptures will bear a sticker bearing an igloo mark that has been registered by the Canadian government to indicate authenticity. Older pieces will typically not bear this label, so if you’re spending a large sum it’s important to buy from a reputable dealer or auction house.
What does soapstone look like?
Soapstone is typically gray, bluish, green, or brown in color, often variegated. Its name is derived from its “soapy” feel and softness. The name “soapstone” is often used in other ways. Miners and drillers use the name for any soft rock that is soapy or slippery to the touch.
How much are Inuit carvings worth?
This Inuit carving is worth between $4,000 and $6,000.
Can you carve soapstone?
Soapstone is so named because it has something of the consistency of soap. This makes it much easier to carve than even alabaster, which is also carveable by hand rather than machine. I use old, good quality wood chisels, yard sale files, pocket knives from the back of the junk drawer—you get the idea.
How much do stone carvings cost?
The stone sculptures range in price from $5,000 to $60,000. Pricing is based on the complexity of the design and the size of the piece. Granite, sandstone and marble demand special tools (see Tools and Stone) to carve and shape and require many hours of work to arrive at the finished piece.
Is Inuit soapstone carvings valuable?
What is soapstone worth?
Raw soapstone slabs range in price from $45 to $85 per square foot, depending on where the stone was quarried and its talc content (lower talc content—and a harder surface—is usually more expensive).
Does soapstone stain easily?
Maintenance: Soapstone doesn’t stain, although it will naturally darken with use. Since soapstone is inert and non-porous, it doesn’t need to be sealed, although it’s sometimes treated with mineral oil to achieve a dark, even appearance.