Talc
Talc is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Talc
Talc belongs to the silicate class in the talc-pyrophyllite group and has the chemical formula Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Talc typically forms tabular pseudo-hexagonal plates; foliated, lamellar; massive (steatite/soapstone); granular; fine-grained. Its color range is broad, including white, grey, pale green, yellowish, rarely brown or colorless, and 'soapstone' is massive grey-green variety. The luster is waxy, pearly, greasy, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect basal on {001} — flexible but not elastic plates (contrast with mica which is elastic). The fracture is micaceous (dominated by cleavage), which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Among collectors of crystallized species, Talc is a recognized reference. Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Dabaoshan Mine and Xikuangshan Sb deposit (Xikuangshan antimony deposit), among others.