Soapstone is a soft greyish stone with a smooth surface that feels like soap. Labrador inuit word for soapstone is ukkusitsajak. It can be easily carved and retains heat long after removal from a fire or heat source. These qualities made it an excellent material for the production of cooking pots and lamps.
Most vessels were square or rectangular in shape and vary in size from child's pots and lamps up to larger cooking pots with small handles.