Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monocliniccommonSilicates
Talc
Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
This specimen of talc displays a pale green to whitish color with a characteristic pearly to greasy luster. It appears massive to foliated, indicative of its soft, platy nature.
Talc Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
pearlyStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect basal (one direction)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
2.7Colors
white, pale green, grayTransparency
translucentType Locality
Vermont Verde Antique International quarry, Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont, USAMineral Group
SilicatesUses
cosmetics, ceramics, paint filler, paper, carving stoneAssociated Minerals
serpentine, chlorite, dolomite, magnesiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Talc is a metamorphic mineral formed from the alteration of magnesium-rich rocks such as ultramafic rocks or dolomitic limestones under low-to-medium temperature and pressure conditions, often associated with hydrothermal activity.
