Difference between soapstone and alabaster

["John Halter" <halter@zzzzzzzzzz>]

Hello Dan,

Welcome. I have never used an oven in the polishing process for alabaster.
I wet sand to about 1500, then use a polishing compound, and then wax.  But
your getting ahead of your self here.  There are some differences in
carving.

I think the biggest difference between working soapstone and alabaster is
that the alabaster will bruise if you hit it too bluntly with a chisel.
With most soapstones bruising is not an issue.  A bruise typically leaves a
dull white mark beneath the surface which may not show up until you are
polishing.  The only way to remove it once it is there is to take off
another 3/16 inch.  Just make sure your chisel is cutting the stone not
pummeling it.  And as you get closer to your finished surface use more
delicate chisels and then go to riffler files.

I'm sure others in the group can add some suggestions for the difference
between soapstone and alabaster.

Good luck,
John Halter
halter@----------