Soapstone is a material made of mineral deposits created in nature. Main components are talc, dolomite, chlorite and magnesite. Because soapstone has such a high talc content, it is fairly soft and easy to carve. Although it is soft, it is durable.
Soapstone has been used throughout history and the world for different purposes. Some of the more famous soapstone sculptures are Great Zimbabwe's Soapstone Birds from the 11th to 15th century. Probably the most famous and recognizable sculpture, and definitely one of the largest, is the "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is made of concrete and soapstone. Soapstone has also been used for tools, vases, vessels, goblets, building blocks and sinks.
Soapstone is still used for sculpture and other items as it has throughout history. It is used more recently for counter tops, cookware, island tops and other kitchen uses because it is non-porous and quite durable.
Soapstone can be found and carved in large or small pieces. Probably the largest example of soapstone used in sculpture is "Christ the Redeemer," which is 130 feet tall and 98 feet wide. It weighs 635 tons. It is built with concrete and outer layers of soapstone. The smallest soapstone pieces can be carved into sculptures are smaller than one's hand.
Soapstone is easily obtainable and is used in art classes as one of the first materials to learn how to carve. Tools to carve it also can be easily obtained. If you have an interest in learning how to carve, soapstone, because of it's softer nature, is the perfect with which material to start.