At japanstones.shop we present the work of twelve Japanese stone masons and sculptors exclusively to international buyers. From time to time, people bring us interesting items asking if we can sell them overseas. Today’s article introduces a phoenix stone carving, most likely made in China in the 1970s–1980s. Because it is not by a Japanese artisan, we will not list it for sale here, but the stone itself has features worth sharing.
What Is the Phoenix Carving Made Of?
The phoenix is carved from talc (soapstone). On the Mohs scale it is hardness 1—one of the softest minerals on earth. It scratches easily and feels silky, which is why it’s called “soapstone.” Its softness enables delicate piercings and flowing lines, but it is not suited to long-term outdoor use where abrasion and weathering occur.
Mohs Scale: Origin and What It Measures
The Mohs hardness scale was introduced in 1812 by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs (1773–1839). It ranks minerals by their scratch resistance from 1 to 10. However, it measures surface scratch hardness only—not compressive strength or toughness.
Today the Mohs scale remains widely used across jewelry, mineralogy, and the stone industry.
Mohs Hardness Ranking (Definitive Table)
| Mohs | Representative Mineral / Stone | Other Minerals / Stones | Everyday Reference | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (softest) | Talc (Soapstone) | Graphite, Kaolinite | — | Soapstone carving; ceramic filler |
| 2 | Gypsum | — | — | Plaster casts; drywall |
| 2.5 (ref.) | — | — | Human fingernail (~2.5) | Field scratch test |
| 3 | Calcite | Marble, Limestone, Travertine | Copper coin (~3–3.5) | Marble sculpture; architectural trim |
| 4 | Fluorite | — | — | Decorative stone; glass flux |
| 5 | Apatite | — | Steel nail (~5) | Apatite gems; fertilizers |
| 5.5 (ref.) | — | — | Window glass (~5.5) | Reference |
| 6 | Orthoclase Feldspar | Basalt (~6) | Porcelain tile (~6) | Ceramics; glass; building stone |
| 6–7 | Granite (Feldspar ~6 + Quartz ~7) | — | Hardened steel file (~6.5) | Stone lanterns, Jizo Stone Statues, monuments |
| 7 | Quartz | Quartzite (~7) | Scratches glass | Optics; glass; crystal |
| 8 | Topaz | — | — | Gemstone |
| 9 | Corundum | — | Alumina sandpaper | Ruby & sapphire; abrasives |
| 10 (hardest) | Diamond | — | Diamond file | Jewelry; cutting & polishing tools |
Notes: Mohs is a relative scratch scale; steps are not equally spaced.
Soapstone vs. Granite — “Soft Art” and “Lasting Form”
- Soapstone (Mohs 1): Perfect for indoor carvings; soft and delicate.
- Granite (Mohs 6–7): Ideal for outdoor use; highly durable.
How Talc Is Used (Japan & Overseas)
Japan: Inkan seals; cosmetics; baby powder; pharmaceuticals.
Overseas: Inuit carvings; Chinese phoenix carvings; Hindu deities; Shona sculpture.
Revised Mohs — A Brief Note
Some “revised Mohs” versions reflect actual hardness ratios (e.g., Diamond = 15), but the classic 1–10 remains standard.
Takeaway
Understanding the Mohs scale helps buyers choose stones suited to long-term beauty and durability.
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