Which of the following materials generally provides better heat retention than steel?

Soapstone is known for its excellent heat retention properties, making it a superior choice compared to steel in this context. Soapstone can absorb heat from a fire and then radiate it slowly over time. This ability to hold and radiate heat is due to its dense composition, which allows it to store heat efficiently. As a result, once heated, soapstone can maintain warmth in a room long after the fire has died down, contributing to a cozy and comfortable environment.

In contrast, while brick also provides reasonable heat retention, it does not match soapstone for overall efficiency in this regard. Steel, on the other hand, has a lower capacity for heat retention as it tends to cool down more quickly once the heat source is removed. Glass and aluminum are also not naturally suited for heat retention, with glass being more of a barrier to heat rather than a material that stores it, and aluminum exhibiting quick heat conduction rather than retention. Thus, soapstone stands out as the most effective material for retaining heat in this comparison.