Chemistry: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2, Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide

Class: Silicates

Subclass: Phyllosilicates

Group: Clays and also The Montmorillonite / Smectite Group.

Physical Characteristics:

• Colour is snow white to almost silver.
• Luster is dull to pearly or greasy.
• Transparency crystals are translucent and masses are opaque.
• Crystal System is monoclinic; 2/m.
• Hardness is 1 (can leave mark on paper)
• Specific Gravity is 2.7 - 2.8 (average)

• Did you know that Talc is the softest mineral(talc minerals) found on earth with a Mohs hardness value of 1. Put in perspective diamond has a Mohs hardness value of 10 being one of the hardest.
  
  
• Though mostly Talc is white but it is also found in a variety of colors such as green, pink, yellow, grey and black.
  
  
• Talc is used by humans since thousands of years as body powders and cosmetics.
  
  
• It is one of the few water repellent talc minerals on earth.
  
  
• Before cutting a sticky substance, sprinkle Talc on your knife which will prevent the blade from getting sticky.
  
  
• Oil stains can be removed by sprinkling talc powder (industrial talc powder) over it and letting it remain for 10 minutes. Then brush off the talc and off comes the stain with it.
  
  
• For clean and sparkling crystal glasses, wash with talc and water and then dry with a clean cloth.
  
  
• If your book gets accidentally wet then sprinkle each wet page with talc powder and spread it evenly with a clean cloth. Place a heavy weight on the book and remove after a week. Then dust off the talc powder and you will find your pages dry as before.
  
  
• In cold weather sprinkle talc on your vehicle door seals which will prevent the doors from frosting.
  
  
• If you regularly use gloves for work or riding horses, motorcycle etc then sprinkle a little talc powder inside them. This will prevent you from getting blisters and also keep your hand dry and non sweaty.
  
  
• If you are troubled by ants in your house then sprinkle talc powder in that area and you will find it free from ants.