Q&A for How to Carve Stone

Yes, some kinds can such as Wonderstone, from Utah, USA. It is very decorative with brown bands or patterns and is frequently carved into wonderful abstract forms. It is gritty and makes a mess but it is not hard.

Soapstone (about 15 to 25 pounds), alabaster, or limestone. Alabaster is generally harder than soapstone, but it still carves easily. It is the ideal choice for new sculptors since it will still retain its shape without requiring specialized tools or strenuous effort.

Diamond can be cut with a stronger diamond. The diamond is the strongest stone in the world. Start with soapstone if you are a beginner.

It depends what kind of stone you use, and how big it is. A five pound chunk of soapstone being carved into a simple-looking bear takes about 15 hours of focused work.