Talc

Talc

Talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate with the theoretical formula MgO3Si4O10(OH)2. Commercial grades of talc often vary considerably from the theoretical purity. Such products may be a mixture of pure talc mineral and minerals such as dolomite, calcite, quartz, diopside, serpentine, magnetite, pyrite, tremolite-actinolite and mica in different proportions. Commercial talc is used under various names in the industry.

Talc is used in ceramics, paint making, roofing, insecticide production, rubber and paper industry, cosmetics and pharmacology, asphalt filler, animal feed and fertilizer production. Depending on the intended use, softness, oil absorption, moisture content, melting point, specific gravity, thermal and electrical conductivity and chemical analysis are important.