is it a rock, is it calcified?
2006-09-13 11:41:13 · 11 answers · asked by dryboy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Hydrated Magnesium Silicate. Naturally occuring soft 'rock'
2006-09-13 11:46:48 · answer #1 · answered by Phish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg3(SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It occurs as foliated to fibrous masses, its monoclinic crystals being so rare as to be almost unknown. It has a perfect basal cleavage, and the folia are non-elastic, although slightly flexible. It is sectile and very soft, with a hardness of 1 (Talc is the softest of the Mohs' scale of mineral hardness). It has a specific gravity of 2.5–2.8, a waxlike or pearly luster, and is translucent to opaque. Its colour ranges from white to gray or green and it has a distinctly greasy feel. Its streak is white.
Talc is a metamorphic mineral resulting from the alteration of silicates of magnesium such as pyroxenes, amphiboles, olivine and other similar minerals. It is usually found in metamorphic rocks, often of a basic type due to the alteration of the minerals mentioned above.
A coarse grayish-green talc has been called soapstone or steatite and has been used for stoves, sinks, electrical switchboards, etc. Talc finds use as a cosmetic (talcum powder), as a lubricant, and as a filler in paper manufacture. Talc is used in baby powder, an astringent powder used for preventing rashes on the area covered by a diaper (see diaper rash). Most tailor's chalk is talc, as is the chalk often used for welding or metalworking.
The origin of the name derives from the Persian via Arabic talq.
Talc is also used as food additive or in pharmaceutical products. In the European Community the additive number is E553b.
2006-09-13 18:50:28 · answer #2 · answered by Andurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talcum powder: a toilet powder made of purified talc and usually scented; absorbs excess moisture.
Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate...
2006-09-13 19:02:34 · answer #3 · answered by Green Alex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talc is not a rock, it's a silicate mineral(silicate means a compound with silicon atoms) It is the softest mineral, and most prone to scratching (it has a 1 on the Mohs scale for hardness). Due to it's soft nature, powder can be made very easily. (In fact, you can scrape off talc with your fingernail).
Hope that helps
2006-09-13 18:48:00 · answer #4 · answered by LZ1980 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talc is a MINERAL composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical formula H2Mg3(SiO3)4 or Mg3Si4O10(OH)2.
2006-09-13 18:49:57 · answer #5 · answered by ♀ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talcum powder and diamonds are both stones, the softest and the hardest.
2006-09-14 06:55:08 · answer #6 · answered by melancholiac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Body powder.
2006-09-13 18:48:28 · answer #7 · answered by tiger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrated Magnesium Silicate. It is naturally occuring, or can be man made.
2006-09-13 19:42:48 · answer #8 · answered by Ken B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
French Chalk with Scent & Colouring added. That's it!
2006-09-15 10:08:29 · answer #9 · answered by George v 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is metamorphic rock .,talc schist .
it contain mainly calcium amd megnesium carbonates
it feel soapy feeling .
it has mixture of colour like pink ,white ,grey ,brown .
2006-09-13 20:30:11 · answer #10 · answered by kam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋