We offer pyrophyllite for sale as single pieces for the artist or
matching
sized lots for art classes. If you would like to buy pyrophyllite in
any quantity,
contact us
for orders or more information. Pyrophyllite purchase prices range from
$2.00 per pound to $5.00 per pound - large sculpting size pieces are
uncommon and command higher prices.
Pyrophyllite is a superior carving
stone with strength and a uniform texture that is rarely
matched by other stones that can be carved with steel tools. Cuts can
be made with a carpenters hand saw, bandsaw, or hacksaw, and shaping
tools range from hatchets (it is that
tough!) to power routers to rasps and files and pocket knives. It has
about the hardness of soapstone, but a different mineral base that is
stronger and more consistent than soapstone. It is unaffected by water
so that it can be wet carved to reduce dust,
and will withstand high heat after properly drying by slow initial
heating. It can
be machined to tight tolerances, and is often used for machined
components in industrial applications. Our material is pre-sawn with
flat surfaces and
square edges on almost every piece, making it easy to cut rough shapes
with power saws or hand saws. Sizes in stock range from two inch
squares to
large blocks that weigh over 150 pounds. It is charcoal black when
polished and finished, and the finish can be buffed to a high
luster. Applications for this material include art sculpture,
molds for casting, woodstove heat sinks, bookends, smoking pipes, and
taxidermy bases to name a few.
Many artists report that pyrophyllite is the finest soft stone they
have
ever carved.