Description
The mineral talc is a hydrated hydrogenated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg3(SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. This phyllosilicate belongs to the smectite group of clay minerals. The mineral is a platelet-shaped to acicular mass, alternatively known as steatite. The monoclinic crystal structure is rare. Talc is a very soft mineral with a hardness of 1. It has a soapy or greasy feel. It has an average density of 2.75 kg/dm3 and is translucent. Its color ranges from white to gray or green due to iron contamination. Talc is used as a filler in paper, paint, rubber, plastics, and ceramics. It is also used as a powder in cosmetics, food, and medicines. The E number for talc is E553b. Talc is hydrophobic and requires a high binder content. It ensures a good bond between paint and the material to be painted. Talc is also sold under the names soapstone and soapstone and is used by sculptors to carve statues. Its low hardness makes it well-suited for this purpose. Soapstone is also used as a stove casing because of its ability to store a great deal of heat and release it very slowly into the environment over a prolonged period. Soapstone is a mineral from the talc group, called saponite. The word saponite is derived from the Latin word for soap. Steatite is also used in the so-called "dry" resistance heating elements of electric storage water heaters.
