A characteristic pattern of rare-earth element (REE) concentrations is left by the metamorphic processes involved in the formation of soapstone. The importance of sample selection and adequate sampling is described on the basis of soapstone from Labrador. Trace-element variation in the same formation must be established prior to matching artifacts to a quarry on the basis of trace elements. For REE, the pattern of fractionation of the elements is geo chemically significant and is probably better for characterizing a soapstone formation or outcrop than the absolute concentrations.