Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.

In loose form, it is the widely used substance known as talcum powder. It occurs as foliated to fibrous masses, its monoclinic crystals being so rare as to be almost unknown. It has a perfect basal cleavage, and the folia are non-elastic, although slightly flexible. It is sectile and very soft, with a hardness of 1 (Talc is the softest of the Mohs' scale of mineral hardness, and can be easily scratched even  by a fingernail). It has a specific gravity of 2.5-2.8, a clear or dusty luster, and is translucent to opaque. Talc is not soluble in water, but it is slightly soluble in dilute mineral acids. Its colour ranges from white to grey or green and it has a distinctly greasy feel. Its streak is white. 

The main characteristics of talc are:

•   It's naturally hydrophobic and organophilic 

•   It's inert and resist very well to acids and alkalis 

•   It's the softest mineral in the world 

•   It's a good electric and thermal insulator 

•   It's neither inflammable nor explosive 

MicroCrystalline grades have nodular crystal system. Nodular crystal system is similar to hexagons.

It is not lamellar and flat. Nodular grades are used in the food and cosmetic industry as they do not contain heavy metal.

MacroCrystalline is fine, lamellar talc grades. Lamellar talcs are very performance talcs that enhance especially mechanical properties of polymers .

 

Talc products can be grouped as follows

• MicroCrystalline Talcs

• Lameller Talcs

• Cosmetic and Food Grade Talcs

• Ultrafine Talcs

• Compacted Talcs