What is "pagodite"

Agalmatolite \Ag`al*mat"o*lite\ ([a^]g`[a^]l*m[a^]t"[-o]*l[imac]t), n. [Gr. 'a`galma, 'a`galmatos, image, statue + -lite: cf. F. agalmatolithe.] (Min.) A soft, compact stone, of a grayish, greenish, or yellowish color, carved into images by the Chinese, and hence called figure stone, and pagodite. It is probably a variety of pinite. [1913 Webster] ||

n. (context dated mineralogy English) agalmatolite

Pagodite is the name of a stone used by Chinese artisans for carving pagodas and similar objects. Usually soft and sometimes soapy, it can be a greyish green or greyish yellow colour. The name is probably applied to any stone used for this purpose and not one specific variety. Names also used in this context are agalmatolite, steatite, pyrophyllite and pinite; sometimes also referred to (loosely) as soapstone.