Used for cooking and in construction materials for over 5000 years, soapstone can be found all around the world. This particular soapstone, however, was mined in Brazil. In its natural state it is gray in color. Before each piece is used it must be cured with oil and heat, which will permanently darken the stone but also make it stronger. The mortar holds 2-1/2 cups and is 5-3/4" in diameter.