Mineralogy

Name: Marlon Morocho

Talc.(Talcum)
• Talc, or talcum, is a clay mineral, composed of hydrated magnesium
silicate with the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.
• The word "talc" derives from Medieval Latin talcum, which in turn
originates from Arabic:‫ طلق‬ṭalq which, derives from Persian:‫ ت ا لک‬tālk.
Talc is a common metamorphic mineral in metamorphic belts that contain
ultramafic rocks, such as soapstone (a high-talc rock), and within white schist
and blueschist metamorphic terranes.
Uses.
• Talc is used in many industries, including paper making, plastic, paint and
coatings (e.g. for metal casting molds), rubber, food, electric cable,
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and ceramics. A coarse grayish-green high-
talc rock is soapstone or steatite, used for stoves, sinks, electrical
switchboards, etc. It is often used for surfaces of laboratory table tops and
electrical switchboards because of its resistance to heat, electricity and
acids.
Conflict mineral.
• Extraction in disputed
areas of Nangarhar
province, Afghanistan, has
led the international
monitoring group Global
Witness to declare talc a
conflict resource, as the
profits are used to fund
armed confrontation
between the Taliban and
Islamic State.