Soapstone is a natural mineral compound of the talc family mined in rock form in various parts of the world. It is widely appreciated for its ornamental value, non-brittle nature, high capacity for surface polishing and extensive range of beautiful colors and patterns.

Coloration in soapstone varies widely according to location and the availability of different mineral deposits in the area which become part of the stone. All types of minerals mix readily with soapstone because it is soft by nature. In China there is pale green and pink soapstone which is carved into intricate scenes; in Russia and Alaska there is black soapstone which is carved into animal figurines; in India at Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located, there is white soapstone. Mère Cie Soapstone is among the most colorful found anywhere; it is mined in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India.

The factory which produces the many beautiful containers comprising Mère Cie Soapstone is located 100 miles from the mine. The mining is done primarily by hand. The loose stone is sprayed with water to highlight the color, sorted for best quality and then transported by truck to the gift ware factory.

There are several hundred workers at the mine and about 40 at the giftware factory. At the factory, the stone is turned on machine lathes and worked with hand tools to produce the various container designs. There are no molds, so even pieces of the same design are never exactly the same dimensions. If lids of the same design are interchanged they will never fit precisely, and often not even closely. Each piece is unique in its size and color pattern.

When finished carving, each smooth container is polished to a high gloss with a clear lacquer. This brings out the colors in the stone. Other pieces are further carve on their surface into intricate floral and animal motifs. These are not polished with the lacquer as they tend to look better in their natural state.

Mère Cie Soapstone is distinguished by its high standards of fine craftsmanship. The fitting is so exact that there is never any play in the lids, and sometimes one can't even see the line of separation. The finish on the smooth pieces are executed with skill and imagination.