Steatite, Talc, French Chalk or Soapstone - is chemically a hydrous Magnesium silicate with a basic formula of 3MgO 4SiO2 H2O. It is one of the softest minerals and has characteristic soapy feel. Its hardness being 01 on Moh's Scale of hardness, it can be easily cut and scratched by nail. It possesses lubricating properties, high luster and sheen, chemical inertness, high fusion point, low conductivity to heat and electricity. The colour of the material varies from pure white to silvery white, grey, green and yellow.
The various grades of Talc available are as under :
Talc forms the base of many cosmetics an toilet preparations in which the absorptive properties of the mineral are utilized.
2.
Ceramics
Pure talc after calcining has assumed a new importance in the manufacture of low loss ceramic materials required for high frequencies insulation in all kind of radio, radar, television and related instruments. It is also used for manufacture of ceramics required for switchboards and spark plugs
3.
Foundries
For giving final finishes to the mould
4.
Electrical Industry
It is used as an insulating material
5.
Insecticides & Pesticides
As an inert carrier for insecticides /pesticides dusts
6.
Paint industry
For manufacture of Metal Primers, Cement Primers, Latex Paints, Decorative Paints, and Emulsion Paints, etc.
7.
Plastics
Both the Coated and Uncoated grades are used as reinforcing filler.
It is used in filling Poly Propylene (PP), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) etc.
8.
Paper Industry
As a filler it gives opacity, smoothness and brightness to the paper. It is also used as loading material
