| Mineral class: | Phyllosilicate |
| Composition: | Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 |
| Hardness: | 1 - 1.5 |
| Luster: | Pearly, greasy |
| Color: | White, Greenish-white, Gray, or Brown |
| Streak: | White |
| Cleavage: | Perfect in one direction, producing laminae, thin flakes. |
| Crystal form: | Monoclinic. Foliated masses. |
| Environment: | Product of alteration of magnesium silicates in ultramafic rocks. Also formed by metasomatism in impure dolomitic marbles. |
| Uses: | Paper, rubber, cosmetics, and the paint industry. |
| Comments: | Has a greasy or soapy feel, is a poor conductor of heat, and is insoluble.
![[talc.jpg]](talc.jpg)
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