The Wonderful World of Talc

Photo by Dustin Ross
© 2004
Web Site Created By

Dustin Ross
Photo by Dustin Ross
© 2004

Table of contents

I. Introduction
II. What is Talc? How is it Formed?
III. Physical Characteristics of Talc
IV. Types of Talc Deposits
V. Where is Talc Found in the World?
VI. Industrial Uses of Talc
VII. Cosmetic, Domestic, and Pharmaceutical Uses of Talc
VIII. Health Problems Associated from Talc Use
IX. Conclusion
X. References and Links

I.  Introduction

Hi! My name is Dustin Ross and I am a first year graduate student in the Earth Science Department at Emporia State University. I have created this web page for a requirement in my Mineralogy class of fall 2004 (GO 336 Mineralogy). The goal of the project was to help me learn more about web site construction, as well as, provide you, the reader, information about a particular mineral. I was given a list of minerals and topics to research on and decided to use the mineral talc as my research topic. I chose the mineral talc because it has a connection to me and is used in many every day products of our lives. I hope you enjoy my web site, and as always,
G O    E S U    H O R N E T S !


II. What is Talc? How is it Formed?

Talc, a word derived form the greek word talq meaning pure, is a unique mineral (Perkins, 2002). The mineral talc can mean many different things. First, talc is considered a mineral containing hydrate magnesium silicate (http://pubs.usgs.gov). Second, talc can be considered a rock. Moreover, sometimes talc is called soapstone or steatite. It may contain proportions of other minerals like chlorite. Next, talc in a powder form, is an industrial raw material that is used as a commodity for many applications. Finally, talc can be considered a cosmetic powder, which is this mineral's most widely used application.

Talc is formed by two different processes on the earth. The first of which, is when heated waters carry magnesium and silica in thick concentrated solution. The soulutions then react with dolomitic marble. In these talc deposits, the marble that contains the talc is metamorphic rock formed from dolomite that changed form by tremendous heat and pressure under the earth's crust. The second process that forms talc involves the alteration of igneous rocks. Fluids react with magnesium rich mafic minerals in the host rocks. This will ultimately replace the mafic minerals with talc, forming talc deposits.

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III.  Physical Characteristics of Talc

Talc, like all minerals, has many interesting characteristics about it. All minerals have physical properties associated with them. This is how we are able to separate minerals into groups and classify every mineral in its own unique way. We must first see if talc meets all the requirements for it to be called a mineral. If talc meets all the basic requirements below, then we can consider it a mineral.


Photo by Dustin Ross, © 2004.

Basic Requirements to be classified as a Mineral:
Talc meets all the basic requirements, so it can be called a mineral. A mineral has many physical properties that help define it. Talc is no exception to this rule. Characteristics like talc's hardness and color, can easily help separate this mineral from others.

Talc's Physical Properties*

   Chemistry     Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide  Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
   Class    Silicates
   Subclass    Phyllosilicates 
   Group    Clays and sometimes Montmorillonite/Semectite Group
   Color    Green, gray, silver and white are the most common colors
   Luster     Dull to a greasy pearl
   Crystal System    Monoclinic; 2/m
   Transparency    masses of talc are usually opaque; 
   while crystals are translucent
   Cleavage    Basal, or perfect in one direction
   Fracture    uneven to lamellar
   Streak    white in color
   Hardness    1 on the Mohs hardness scale
   Crystal Habits    Never found in large individual crystals; Usually in compact 
   or lamellar masses; Forms pseudomorph or false shapes 
   Specific Gravity    2.7 to 2.8; this is considered around average
   Associated Minerals    dolomite, magnesite, quartz, olivine, pyroxenes, serpentine 
   amphiboles and biotite
   Similar Species    Talc and pyrophyllite are hard to tell apart 
   by physical properties
   Field Indicators    Color, softness, soapy feel, cleavage, and luster

* This table is compiled from information at
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/talc/talc.htm.

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IV.  Types of Talc Deposits

Talc is one of the many minerals that are deposited in more than one way. Many minerals are deposited by hydrothermal earth activities. In cases of deposits when hydrothermal activities take place, the deposits are usually classified according to the parent rock from which they derived. Talc has at least four types of talc deposits. The first type of deposit is derived from magnesium carbonates. Found in ancient metamorphosed carbonate sequences, this talc deposit is usually the purest form of talc. It is mostly white and provides almost 50% of the world's talc production (www.ima-eu.org/en/talcwhat.html). The second type of talc deposits are made from serpentines, which provide 40% of the world's talc production (www.ima-eu.org/en/talcwhat.html).  This deposit formation of talc is usually gray and does not serve much commercial use.

The third type of talc deposit is derived from alumino-silicate rock. Only about 10% of this type of talc deposit is mined to meet the world's talc supplies (www.ima-eu.org). It is found mostly in a gray crude ore and along side many other hydrothermal minerals. Finally, talc is deposited from magnesium sedimentary deposits. This type of deposit is not mined currently and does not bring good economical value. A talc deposit can be formed by direct transformation of magnesium clay. This talc deposit can be found in many locations. The wide diversity of talc deposits has given rise to a massive array of ores and product grades of talc for human uses.

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V.  Where is Talc Found in the World?

Talc, which is a clay mineral, is found in many locations throughout the world. Many countries actually use talc production as a major source of export capital. Talc is found in a variety of forms which gives talc its economic value. Some forms, such as pure white talc, can bring a good price in the mineral market.

The United States of America is actually considered a major talc producer (www.golcha.com). It is second only to China for world talc production. In the U.S. alone, talc is found in a variety of states. Significant talc deposits are mined in the Appalachians Mountains of the U.S. In addition, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania are areas in the East where talc is found (Schumann, 1992). Traces of Talc have even been located on Staten Island, N.Y. (Chesterman & Lowe, 1995). Talc deposits stretch all down the Appalachian Mountains, including states like North and South Carolina. Texas and Alabama are more states where significant talc deposits lay. Good economical talc deposits are not really found between the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. Therefore, this cuts out most of the central U.S. as talc producers. The west half of the U.S. however, contains many significant amounts of talc deposits. Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, and Idaho all have talc that is considered economically sufficient. In fact,  Montana has led the U.S. in talc production for more than 20 years. It supplies more than one-third of the quality talc used in the U.S. The biggest talc mine in the U.S. is found near Ennis, Montana called the Yellowstone mine (http://pubs.usgs.gov). California has many high quality talc deposits, but sometimes is of a darker grade and is called soapstone.

World wide talc is mined, processed, and shipped to other countries to meet their growing needs. Many countries in Europe are major talc producers. Germany, Italy, and Austria rank high in the talc production of the world. Europe values their talc and uses a majority of it for their own needs. However, much talc is exported to neighboring countries from this region. China is considered the world leader in talc production (Agnihorti & Chandra, 2003). Other countries such as, South Africa, Scotland, Brazil, Japan, Korea and even India produce a large amount as well. Talc is simply a mineral that is found all over the world. Moreover, talc is usually only mined if the country thinks it can benefit from the mineral.

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VI. Industrial Uses of Talc

Being a mineral that is abundantly found in the world, talc has come to play a big role in our world today. Talc has some influence on just about every human in the world. Due to this mineral's amazing physical characteristics, it is widely used for many industrial purposes.  Moreover, talc basically has five characteristics that make it a valuable mineral for industrial and domestic applications (www.ima-eu.org). Talc's softness is the first main characteristic that makes it valuable to industry. Chemical inertness and lamellarity are the second and third attributes of talc. Its whiteness is the fourth, while its affinity for organic chemicals round up the last physical properties of talc that makes it good for industry use (www.ima-eu.org). All of these attributes make talc a vital mineral for industrial use.  Listed below are several of talcs uses for the industries of the world*:

*This list was compiled from www.bisetindia.com; www.ima-eu.org;http://pubs.usgs.gov; www.golcha.com

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VII.  Cosmetic, Domestic, and Pharmaceutical Uses of Talc

Talc has found its way into our daily lives many times over. Not only is it valuable in the industrial market but in pharmaceutical and domestic markets as well. Talc can often be found in many homes, supermarkets, and in pharmacies across the world. It has become a valuable mineral in these places because it is included in many common items. Drug stores are a huge market for products that include talc. Sometimes we use things that include talc and don't even know it is present. I have been using talc for more than 10 years to help me in my gymnastics teachings and did not even realized it was talc. Listed below are some uses of talc we can see in our every day lives*.

Photo by Dustin Ross, © 2004.

Dustin Ross utilizing talc in gymnastics!
Photo by Amber Ross, © 2004.


The author's hands with talc.
Photo by Amber Ross, © 2004.

*This list was compiled from http://pubs.usgs.gov; www.ima-eu.org;www.bisnetindia.com; www.golcha.com; www.mineral.galleries.com; www.wwmag.net.

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VIII. Health Problems Associated With Talc Use

When minerals and humans combine they can produce many wonderful things. However, the combination of the two can also produce many problems. Like other minerals, talc is under heavy fire and can have a bad reputation. Talc has been labeled a mineral that can kill humans if the powder-like form of talc is ingested in large amounts in the body. Therefore, the general public is in contact with talc in the form of baby and hygienic powders and this inhalation potential has drawn attention from health specialists (www.ima-eu.org).

In contrast to the occasional exposure of the general public, factory workers and miners may be at a greater risk because of prolonged expose to fine particles of talc. When talc is being mined and processed, massive dust particles may be in the air and workers could inhale it into their lungs. Moreover, when massive concentrations are inhaled, long term accumulation may collect in the lungs. If mucus membranes and hair follicles are overwhelmed, then they cannot keep dust from being passed to the lungs and this phenomenon is called pneumoconiosis (www.ima-eu.org). The real danger of talc inhalation is not that it is toxic, but rather that it has an inert dust effect (www.ima-eu.org). Too much inhalation of talc dust may cause lung disease and many other health problems. On the other hand, talc has not proven to be the cause of human lung cancer, even in mine and factory workers. Research shows talc miners have the same mortality rate as non talc miners with regard to lung cancer. However, research contines on this important topic.

Talc is sometimes associated with asbestos minerals and you may hear the warning, "throw out the talcum powder" (Medical Update, 2002). This phrase suggests that talcum powder contains asbestos fibers that may kill you. In reality, a majority of all talc is asbestos free. There are only a few proven talc deposits in the world that have fibers related to asbestos, and all of which are found in the eastern parts of the U.S. Where talc is found with the asbestos fibers, it is only mined for research and study specimens. None of this talc is used in industry, domestically or in pharmaceuticals. Talc has been studied for many years and in many ways. Researchers have cleared talc from many of the most controversial accusations, such as talc as a carcinogen and specifically, the cause of ovarian cancer. Studies suggest talc is not a carcinogen nor the main cause for concern in ovarian cancer. Although the use of talc products in the perineal area of women has not been linked to increased incidence of ovarian cancer, extensive research is still being conducted (www.ima-eu.org). Moreover, talc will be listed in the Federal Report on Carcinogens as problematic if it is found in asbestiform (www.ima-eu.org).

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  IX. Conclusion

     In conclusion, talc is a versatile mineral with many uses. It is found in many locations around the world. Talc is controversial and is associated with both positive and negative health issues. Talc fits into a category of minerals that are widely used in our society. We would not have our fancy cars or clean, fresh smelling clothing without talc. From talc's importance in keeping your stomach acid down after eating a chili dog to talc's use as a sweat absorber for a gold metal winner at the Olympics, talc will always play some role in our every day lives for years to come.

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X. References and Links

Staff (2002). Don't powder the baby.  Medical Update, 27 (9), 7-8.

Agnihorti, N. & Chandra, N. (June 2003). Industrial Application of Talc Mineral. [WWW] http://www.bisnetindia.com/timeis/technology/SciTechJune03/industrial_talcmineral.html. Retrieved on 10/11/2004.

Chesterman, C.W. & Lowe, K.E. (1995). National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. New York:  Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Golcha, India-Uses of Talc-1. [WWW] http://www.golcha.com/uses1.htm. Retrieved on 10/11/2004.

Perkins, D. (2002). Mineralogy (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Schumann, W. (1992). Minerals of the World. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

The Mineral Talc. [WWW] http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/talc/talc.htm. Retrieved on 11/1/2004.

U.S. Talc-Baby Powder and Much More:  Industrial Minerals of the United States. [WWW] http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0065-00/. Retrieved on 10/11/2004.

What is Talc? [WWW] http://www.ima-eu.org/en/talcwhat.html. Retrieved on 10/11/2004.

Zimmermann, T. R. Earth Medicine: Talc.  [WWW] http://www.wwmag.net/talc.htm. Retrieved on 10/22/2004.

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or check out other mineralogy students webpages from ESU at
http://www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go336/webpages.htm.

© Dustin Ross 2004. Questions or Comments? Contact Dustin Ross at: flippermarine@hotmail.com.

This page was created 11/15/04 and last updated 12/04/04.