Location: Niger, Osun, Kogi, Ogun, Kaduna
The mineral talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate. A massive talcose rock is known as steatite, and an impure massive variety is called soapstone.
The name talc is believed to be derived from the Arabic word talc or tolk meaning mica, since talc forms mica-like flames. The present name was given by Georgius Agricola in 1564. Kerite is a common name also used for talc.
Talc can be blue, pale green, gray, pink, white, yellowish or brownish white to almost silver. Its lustre is dull to pearly or greasy. What determines these characteristics are its natural or artificial impurities. Talc only has a hardness of one on the Moh’s scale of hardness. This translates into a very soft material, which results from its layered nature. Naturally, this substance is hydrophobic (dislikes water), and tends not to absorb water, therefore giving some of its favourable water-resistant characteristics.
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Talc is soft and smooth, has a perfect basal cleavage, is easily ground to an extremely white powder, is a good lubricator, and is chemically inert. It has high absorption, a high fusion point, low shrinkage when fired, and low thermal and electrical conductivity.
Most people are familiar with the mineral known as “talc”. It can be crushed into a white powder that is widely known as “talcum powder.” This powder has the ability to absorb moisture, absorb oils, absorb odor, serve as a lubricant, and produce an astringent effect with human skin. These properties have made talcum powder an important ingredient in many baby powders, foot powders, first aid powders, and a variety of cosmetics.
A form of talc known as “soapstone” is also widely known. This soft rock is easily carved and has been used to make ornamental and practical objects for thousands of years. It has been used to make sculptures, bowls, countertops, sinks, hearths, pipe bowls, and many other objects.
There are many uses of talc, especially as an industrial mineral because of its resistance to heat, acid and electricity. Because of these resistances it can be used as counter tops, electrical switchboards, ceramics, and insecticides. It is most commonly known as the main ingredient in talcum powder. It is also an important filler in paints and rubber.
Talc is used commercially because it can retain fragrance, lustre, purity, softness and whiteness. Some of the major markets for talc are ceramics, pain paper and plastics. Ground talc is used in roofing and cosmetics.
