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talc
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talc

Mineral, hydrous magnesium silicate. It occurs in tabular crystals, but the massive impure form, known as steatite or soapstone, is more common. It is formed by the alteration of magnesium compounds and is usually found in metamorphic rocks. Talc is very soft, ranked 1 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is used in powdered form in cosmetics, lubricants, and as an additive in paper manufacture.

French chalk and potstone are varieties of talc. Soapstone has a greasy feel to it, and is used for carvings such as Inuit sculptures.



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