Chemistry: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2, Magnesium

Silicate Hydroxide
Class: Silicates
Subclass: Phyllosilicates
Group: Clays and also The Montmorillonite / Smectite Group.
Uses:
An ornamental and heat, acid and electrically-resistant stone (soapstone) used as counter tops, electrical switchboards, carvings etc, used as an ingredient in paints, rubber, roofing materials, ceramics and insecticides. Most commonly known as the primary ingredient in talcum powder.
Talc is an important industrial mineral. Its resistance to heat, electricity and acids make it an ideal surface for lab counter tops and electrical switchboards. It is also an important filler material for paints, rubber and insecticides. Even with all these uses, most people only know talc as the primary ingredient in talcum powder.

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)