Neutron activation analysis provides the necessary sensitivity and accuracy to measure rare earth element (REE) concentrations in soapstone even when geochemical processes have left the soapstone very depleted in trace elements. The types of variation in REE concentrations expected from a single geological source were studied at the Fleur de Lys quarry in Newfoundland. Analysis of debitage indicates that most materials worked were from nearby outcrops, but there was some working of soapstone from more distant quarries. Artifacts representing various Eskimo and Indian cultures over the past 4000 years have been analyzed and many have been matched to geological outcrops on the basis of their REE patterns. See also AATA 21-1449 for reference to book.