What is Talc?

 

Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate. There are many types of talc and each ore body has its own features, its own geology, formed many millions of years ago. As a natural ore, talc is always found in combination with at least one other mineral. The most common of these is chlorite, a chemically and structurally similar ore. Other associated minerals often found with talc include dolomite and magnesite.

 

Geology

 

Talc deposits result from the transformation of existing rocks under the effect of hydrothermal fluids carrying one or several of the components needed to form the mineral. Tectonics play a major role in the genesis of a talc deposit as they enable hydrothermal fluids to penetrate the rock, creating a micro-permeability that facilitates reactions in the mass. The size and shape of a talc deposit depends upon the intensity of this hydrothermal activity which corresponds to the climate of a low temperature metamorphism.

 

Physical properties