2006-09-10 00:24:41 · 7 answers · asked by sam 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Talc, a mineral, is the main ingredient. Chemically, it is Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide.
Often other ingredients usually include Fragrances and chemicals like Tricalcium Phosphate to prevent clumping.
Not all powers are talcum powder. Corn starch may also be used as the main ingredient.
2006-09-10 00:29:27 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 70⤊ 1⤋
Talc is the softest mineral, the standard for hardness grade 1 in the Mohs scale. Your fingernail will easily scratch it. Talc has a greasy feel and a translucent, soapy look. Talc is very useful, and not just because it can be ground into talcum powder—it's a common filler in paints, rubber and plastics too. Other less precise names for talc are steatite or soapstone, but those are rocks containing impure talc rather than the pure mineral.
This talc specimen comes from somewhere in New York, but talc is quarried throughout the eastern United States, wherever magnesian silicate rocks or dolomite undergoes alteration (steatitization).
The name talc comes from ancient Persian, through Arabic and Latin.
http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/bltalc.htm
2006-09-10 07:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by daddysboicub 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talcum
2006-09-10 07:31:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is made from Calcium Silicate,A mineral found in various places of the earth.It comes in many forms.Same formula when the structure is slightly changed forms Asbestos.A mineral used in industrial Insulation & in roof shelter earlier.It is no longer used due to its high carcinogenicity.Because both talc & asbastus ones goes in to lungs cannot be removed.Talk is yet to be proven of it's ability to make cancers while Asbastes was known for it long ago.Its chemical structure gives the Unique physicle properties like softness & sliperyness
2006-09-10 07:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by Hasitha K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon and Oxygen and Water (Hydrogen and Oxygen).
2006-09-10 08:30:18 · answer #5 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's made out of Calcium Carbonate [Ca CO3]
2006-09-10 07:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by Lady_Marmalade 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I couldn't say more, very informative answers... :)
2006-09-10 07:40:03 · answer #7 · answered by Tarek W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋