Carving stone means any durable stone that can be carved or fashioned into schulpture.  The term carving stone is often used synonymously with soapstone, but this is a misconception.  Soapstone, or steatite, is a soft rock containing a high proportion of the mineral talc, which gives the stone its waxy or soapy feel.  Soapstone is not used nearly as much as the harder and more lustrous serpentine, siltstone, argillite, dolomite, quartz and other types.  Often the stone of an area will have particular characteristics of color and hardness, not only influencing the sculpture of that area, but also making the carvings identifiable by the stone type used.  For example, Cape Dorset carvings are known for their beautiful and varied colors, high luster, and elaborate, sophisticated interpretations of animals and mythological creatures.  Baker Lake stone is very hard and difficult to carve, leading to sculptures that are less detailed in form. 

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