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.
Ceramics
In the manufacturing of ceramics products such as bathroom fixtures, ceramic tile, pottery and dinnerware. When used as a filler in ceramics, talc can improve the firing characteristics of the greenware and the strength of the finished product.
Paint
Most paints are suspensions of mineral particles in a liquid. The liquid portion of the paint facilitates application but after the liquid evaporates the mineral particles remain on the wall. Talc is used as an extender and filler in paints. The platy shape of talc particles improves the suspension of solids in the can and helps the liquid paint adhere to a wall without sagging.
Paper
Most papers are made from a pulp of organic fibers. This pulp is made from wood, rags and other organic materials. Finely-ground mineral matter is added to the pulp to serve as a filler. When the pulp is rolled into thin sheets the mineral matter fills spaces between the pulp fibers, resulting in a paper with a much smoother writing surface. Talc as a mineral fillers can improve the opacity, brightness and whiteness of the paper. Talc also can also improve the paper's ability to absorb ink.
Cosmetics and Antiperspirants
Finely ground talc is used as the powder base of many cosmetic products. The tiny platelets of a talc powder readily adhere to the skin but can be washed off easily. Talc's softness allows it to be applied and removed without causing skin abrasion.
Talc also has the ability to absorb oils and perspiration produced by human skin. The ability of talc to absorb moisture, absorb odor, adhere to the skin, serve as a lubricant and produce an astringent effect in contact with human skin make it an important ingredient in many antiperspirant.
Roofing Materials
Talc is added to the asphaltic materials used to make roofing materials to improve their weather resistance. It is also dusted onto the surface of roll roofing and shingles to prevent sticking.
More Uses
It is a soft rock that is easy to work and that has caused it to be used in a wide variety of dimension stone and sculpture applications. It is used for counter tops, electrical panels, hearthstones, figurines, statuary and many other projects.
Ground talc is used as a lubricant in applications where high temperatures are involved. It is able to survive at temperatures where oil-based lubricants would be destroyed.
Talc powder is used as a carrier for insecticides and fungicides. It can easily be blown through a nozzle and readily sticks to the leaves and stems of plants. Its softness reduces wear on application equipment.
Dry fire extinguishing powder, Cereal polishing, Bleaching agent, Floor Wax,
Water Filtration, Leather Treatment, Shoe Polish, Welding rod coating, Printing Ink, Casting for Iron Ore in the direct reduction process, Asphalt,
Joining Compounds, Confectioneries, Foam / Rubber, Putties.
Powder
Talc can be grinned into powder forms in various sizes like 200 Mesh to 1000+ microns.
