About Talc

Soapstone, steatite, French chalk, Hydrated magnesium silicate, Kharia all these terms are used to address Talc. It is the softest mineral in the world having a moh value of 1. Soapstone lumps/ Talc lumps can white, grey, green, blue, pink and even black in color. Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock. Soapstone lumps are also known as whisky stones because soapstone retains its temperature longer than ice and it is non - porous and thus odorless and tasteless. Soapstone is notable for its high degree of resistance to acids and heat. Soapstone is also used for carving sculpture, coaster, kitchen countertops and sinks. Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate having chemical formula, Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. There are numerous types of talc depending on its geology. Generally talc is found in combinations with at least one other mineral, such as chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite. The basic structure of a talc crystal consists of a layer of magnesium-oxygen / hydroxyl octahedra sandwiched between two layers of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra. Talc is hydrophobic or water repellent and inert as the main surfaces of the talc platelets do not contain hydroxyl groups or active ions. Talc is insoluble in water, weak acids, and alkalis. It is neither explosive nor flammable. Talc shows a marked affinity for certain organic chemicals. It can withstand temperatures up to 900°C and its melting point is 1500oC.