Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.mindat.org/user-13767.html#0">John Krygier</a> (Public domain)
monocliniccommonSilicates
Talc
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
This specimen of talc exhibits a botryoidal (grape-like) habit, with a pale green to white color and a characteristic pearly luster. It appears soft and somewhat translucent.
Talc Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
1Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
pearlyStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Perfect basal (001)Fracture
unevenSpecific Gravity
2.58Colors
white, gray, pale green, brownTransparency
translucentType Locality
Pietranera, Rovegno, Genova Province, Liguria, ItalyMineral Group
SilicatesUses
cosmetics, ceramics, paper filler, lubricant, sculptureAssociated Minerals
serpentine, chlorite, magnesite, dolomite, tremoliteRarity
commonGeological Context
Talc is a metamorphic mineral formed by the alteration of magnesium-rich rocks such as serpentinites and dolomitic marbles, often through hydrothermal metamorphism. It is commonly found in low-grade metamorphic terrains.
