Pyrophyllite stone

Pyrophyllite is commonly known as “Wonderstone”.  Is grey colour from deposits found in South Africa and mottled from deposits found in Namibia .Not many artists carve this medium.  It has a very fine grain construction and is measured between 2-3 on the moh scale.  The composition of the stone is compressed volcanic ash and is inert and is famous for not being a conductor of heat or electricity.
Ottosdal is the only place in South Africa where the unique “Wonderstone” pyrophyllite is mined.  The colour of the stone found there is grey.   Brandberg in Namibia is where this stone is found. The colour of the stone found there has a variety of colours due to mineral inclusions. It is extensively used in nuclear power stations and was used for making tiles for rockets re-entry shields so that rockets could re-enter into the earth atmosphere. Once this stone has been polished it has a beautiful high gloss finish and turns from grey to black with the application of wax.