Abstract

Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is a crystalline hydrous magnesium silicate. It occurs widely throughout the world, most often in association with magnesite, but pure talcs also occur. After sorting or beneficiation, it is milled or micronized to fine powders. Talc is platy, soft, inert, and generally white except when stained by iron or contaminated by other minerals. It is nonhazardous and is classified as a nuisance dust in powder form.

Talc is used in pulp and paper for pitch control, filling, and coating. It is used in ceramics for wall tile, electrical porcelains, and cordierite automotive catalyst supports. It finds application in paints for corrosion resistance, flatting, and TiO₂ extension. It is used in plastics to reinforce polypropylene and to detackify low density polyethylene film. Other markets include body and baby powders, rubber reinforcing, dusting roofing shingles, and joint compounds.