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The mineral talc is a hydrous magnesium silicate.
A massive talcose rock is called steatite, and an impure massive
variety is known as soapstone. Talc is used commercially
because of its fragrance retention, luster, purity, softness, and
whiteness. Other commercially important properties of
talc are its chemical inertness, high dielectric strength, high
thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity, and oil and
grease adsorption. Major markets for talc are ceramics,
paint, paper, and plastics.
Pyrophyllite is a hydrous aluminum silicate with a structure similar to talc. Such properties as chemical inertness, high dielectric strength, high melting point, and low electrical conductivity make it useful for ceramic and refractory applications. |
Publications
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Annual Publications
- Talc and Pyrophyllite
PDF Format:
| 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | - Appendixes
- Talc and Pyrophyllite
PDF Format:
| 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
XLS Format:
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | - Archive
| 1932-1993 |
Special Publications
- Directory of Companies Mining Talc and Pyrophyllite in the United States in 2003 (PDF)
- Historical Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities in the United States
Data Series 140 - Industrial Minerals of the United States
U.S. Talc—Baby Powder and Much More - References on Talc (PDF)
Contact
- USGS Mineral Commodity Specialist
Robert Virta
Phone: 703-648-7726
Fax: 703-648-7757
Email: rvirta@usgs.gov