THE MINERAL TALC

Talc is known for being the softest mineral on earth. It is number 1 on the Mohs
hardness scale, and can be easily scratched by a fingernail. Talc is not commonly
seen in collections, as it is usually uninteresting and fairly common, although a
few deeply colored and crystallized examples are known and well sought after.
Also very popular are the Talc pseudomorphs. Talc forms some very interesting
pseudomorphs after many different minerals, and certain localities are known for
the specific minerals replaced by Talc.
Health concerns including a rare respiratory disease are known to be associated
with Talc in its powder form. Although solid forms of Talc are assumed to be safe,
and most concerns are only after prolonged exposure, it is advisable to wash
hands after handling Talc.

Chemical Formula Mg Si O (OH)

3

10

Composition

Basic magnesium silicate

Color

White, beige, gray, yellow, brown, pink, purple, blue, green.

Rarely colorless.

Streak

White

Hardness

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Crystal Forms
and Aggregates

Most often as large distorted masses and foliated sheets

and plates. Also micaceous, radiating, botryoidal, and
in fibrous masses. Crystallized examples, which include
flat tabular crystals, are rare and are almost always
microscopic. Talc very commonly pseudomorphs after many
minerals, assuming their original shape. Some minerals
commonly pseudomorphed are Quartz, Calcite, Dolomite,
and Pyroxenes.

Transparency

Transparent to opaque

Specific Gravity

2.7 - 2.8

Luster

Greasy, waxy, pearly

Cleavage

1,1

Fracture

Uneven

Tenacity

Sectile

Other ID Marks

1) Has a greasy feel.

2) May be lightly fluorescent.

In Group

Silicates; Phyllosilicates

Striking Features

Low hardness and greasy feel

Environment

In metamorphic rocks, especially Serpentine deposits.

Rock Type

Metamorphic

Popularity (1-4)

Prevalence (1-3)

Demand (1-3)

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