What is talc?

Talc is the softest mineral that we know of, and has a hardness of 1 in the mohs hardness scale. Talc’s normal chemical formula is Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)_2.

Classification of Talc

Color

• Talc is mostly green, white, gray, brown, or colorless

Streak

• White or a very pale green

Luster

• Pearly

Mohs Hardness Scale

• 1
• Can be scratched by a fingernail

Uses of Talc

Talc is mostly used in plastics. Talc’s shape stiffened the plastics and lessened abrasion.Talc is also used as paint. Talc’s shape helped the paint to stay on the object without dripping. Other uses of talc include paper, rubber, roofing materials, and more.