What is talc made from? Is talc a mineral or a rock? Baby powder talc

Talc is the most common soft mineral, which in its pure form has a white tint. The main color of the mineral is reflected in its name, which in translation from the ancient Arabic language means "pure, white." A palette of yellow-green, gray, pink, golden and brown-brown shades is provided by impurities of iron, aluminum, calcium, chromium, manganese and nickel.

Pure talc is a magnesium silicate with a complex chemical composition (Mg3) that can vary in stone varieties. Considered the softest mineral on the Mohs scale, talc has a greasy sheen and becomes slippery when wet. For this property, he was nicknamed "soapstone".

Dmitry Thessalonica, an icon made of talcum powder. Size 31.4 x 26.4 cm

The mineral is distinguished by perfect cleavage, on the planes it has a mother-of-pearl luster. An opaque mineral in thin layers can be transparent, resistant to acids, similar in crystal structure to mica.

Talc is considered a mineral with an ancient origin. On the territory of Egypt, archaeologists have found necklaces and amulets, the history of which goes back to the 4th century BC. In the countries of the East, the mineral was used to imitate jade. The world knows a unique carved icon depicting St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, which, despite the fact that it was made in the 11th century, has retained its original appearance to the present day. The first scientific studies of talc in 1546 were carried out by the great scientist George Agricola.

Varieties of talc

Mineralogists distinguish several varieties of talc, differing from each other in impurities and structural features:

• Steatite - talc with a massive dense structure, also called "wen";
• Minnesotaite is a brown-colored mineral, in which magnesium is displaced by iron in an amount of 50 to 80%;
• Agalite - talc, the crystals of which outwardly resemble asbestos due to tangled or parallel-arranged fibers in the crystal structure;
• Willemseit - a stone of blue and green shades with a predominance of nickel over magnesium in the chemical composition;
• Noble talc - amazing translucent or white crystals, characterized by high density, susceptibility to processing and polishing.
• Talcochlorite is a type of mineral in which chlorite acts as an impurity to talc.

Mineral deposits

magical properties

Application of talc

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Probably, everyone at least once in their life used talc for one purpose or another. However, talc is a mineral or This stone has a number of specific properties. Due to this, it is used both in cosmetology, and for the production of children's skin care products, and in industry (production of paints and varnishes, mechanical engineering, etc.)

The chemical composition of talc

Talc is hydrous magnesium silicate. Its chemical formula is approximately as follows: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. This composition may have variations, since part of the silicon is replaced in some cases by aluminum, titanium, magnesium - iron or manganese. It should be noted that talc is a mineral that is almost insoluble in water and acids. The amount of impurities depends on the place of its extraction. It has long been mined in Egypt, around China. A high-quality mineral is also found in Poland, the Czech Republic, and France. In Russia, the main deposits are located in the Urals, in the Baikal region, the Krasnoyarsk Territory. This mineral is formed under conditions of metamorphism. The necessary conditions for the formation of talc are a temperature of about 400 ° C, a sufficient amount of water (after the transformation of minerals from rocks rich in iron and magnesium). Due to its characteristics, talc is a mineral of certain rocks. There are several types of talc.

Varieties of the mineral

Depending on the structural features and the presence of certain impurities, the following types of talc are distinguished. Agalite has a parallel (or tangled) arrangement of crystal fibers. Minnesotaite is a mineral that is closer to brown in color (due to the presence of iron, which replaces magnesium). Steatite has a dense structure. It is also called "fat". The presence of nickel in the composition is characteristic of willemseite. The color of this stone is blue or greenish. Talcochlorite has chlorite as an impurity. Often there is noble talc. It is a stone of high density, translucent (or slightly white). Such a mineral lends itself well to processing.

The main physical characteristics of the mineral

This stone has a color from translucent to brown. In powder, its color is white. Talc is the softest mineral, its hardness is one unit. The texture of the material resembles soap, it is slightly greasy to the touch. Elasticity is low, although it bends easily. Talc is a poor conductor of electricity and heat. The mineral adsorbs water well and is non-toxic. Can be sterilized at 160°C (at least one hour).

Talc in medicine

Talc is widely used in the manufacture of medicines. It can be found in many capsules and tablets. However, its concentration in this case should not exceed 30%. Talc is not recommended to be taken orally at elevated body temperature. Also contraindications are diseases of such internal organs as the stomach, spleen. Special care should be taken with preparations containing this mineral, pregnant and lactating women. Talcum stones heated to a certain temperature are used to warm certain areas of the body. Talcum powder is widely used as an external agent. In this case, its concentration is allowed in the range of 90-99%. Talc is a product that perfectly removes excess moisture, thus protecting the baby's delicate skin from irritation. However, it is worth considering this point: prolonged inhalation or use of the powder of this mineral can provoke problems with the respiratory system, changes in tissues.

Features of powder for children

Since talc is a powder that comes into direct contact with the baby's skin, it must be sterilized without fail. In addition to this mineral, the composition includes starch. Also, some manufacturers may use ingredients such as rice starch, corn flour. It is worth avoiding powders that have a pungent odor, a heterogeneous structure. There are the following types of cosmetics: powder powder and liquid talc. The powder has good deodorizing and antiseptic properties. However, when used, the child may inhale some of it. Liquid talc is easy to use, when applied to the surface of the skin, it turns into a powder and absorbs excess moisture. Due to its consistency, talc does not roll into lumps. However, its cost is slightly higher than that of ordinary powder. Experts recommend using talcum powder as a powder from the second month of a child's life. Do not apply it directly to the skin. It is best to first pour on a cotton pad or your own palm, and only then apply with light powdery movements between the folds of the baby's skin.

The use of talc in cosmetology

In almost all eyeshadows, you can find a substance such as talc in the composition. It is a natural adsorbent that allows makeup to stay on the skin longer. Also, this powder is introduced into the composition and face creams. Such cosmetics help the skin to remain soft, smooth, dry. Talc is able to absorb all kinds of chemicals, toxins from the surface of the epidermis. As a result, the skin receives additional protection from damage. Some studies suggest that this mineral can prevent the growth and reproduction of certain bacteria (for example, typhoid fever). Very often, talc is used in the production of dry deodorants. It is also a component of face masks. There are certain requirements for the powder. Firstly, it must be thoroughly cleaned of impurities and microorganisms, and odorless. Secondly, there are limitations regarding particle sizes. In some cases, they should not be too small so as not to clog the pores of the epidermis.

Talc is what kind of material for modern industry?

In addition to medicine and cosmetology, talc is used in many industries. They cover all kinds of products made of rubber, plastic, rubber to prevent them from sticking together. Talc is also used in the food industry (as a filler, additive). The paper industry also uses this material. Talc-coated paper absorbs ink very well. It is in demand in government agencies (for especially important documents). Very often chalk is replaced with compressed talc. It makes good marks, it is easier to remove from fabrics. Due to its heat and electrical insulating properties, the mineral is used in the ceramic industry (to increase resistance to high frequency radiation).

Talc crystals.

Talc, since it reduces friction, is used to a limited extent in elite sports - weightlifting, gymnastics and rock climbing (primarily in sports). In sports, talc is used mainly for training purposes (to prevent the formation of blisters and abrasions), and during competitions, to improve the grip of hands with the projectile in these disciplines, athletes use dry or liquid magnesia mixtures - 4MgCO 3 * Mg (OH) 2 *4H2O.

Talc is used in many dietary supplements and medicines (for example, in calcium gluconate) as a source of magnesium and silicon.

It is an ingredient in cosmetic powder.

As a filler, it is used in rubber, paper, paint and varnish, medical (tablet base), perfumery and cosmetics and other industries.

An important area of ​​application is ceramics (especially radio-insulating).

It is found in engine oil additives to increase the life and protect the internal combustion engine. [ ]

In the plastics industry - as a nucleator (nucleating additive), which makes it possible to reduce the cycle time of polymer crystallization and improve their physical and mechanical properties. [ ]

Mining and production

During Soviet times, the Shabrovskoye talc-magnesite deposit in the Middle Urals and the Miass talcite deposits in the Southern Urals, the Onotskoye deposit of steatite talc (Eastern Sayan), the Kiryabinskoye deposit, Uchaly, were developed, geological exploration of the West Baikal talc-bearing province was carried out.

Large deposits of talc are found in Canada (Maydok), USA (Gavernour), France (Luzenac).

Danger

There is a possibility that inhalation of talc dust can cause

We get acquainted with talc in early childhood. Baby powders that save babies from diaper rash, without fail contain talc powdered into powder. As we get older, we inflate rubber toys dusted with talcum powder to keep them from sticking.

Having become adults and set to work on construction, we meticulously select a soapstone for arranging a bath and connect heating devices to the mains, not even suspecting the presence of talcum powder here and there.

But we still eat talc! The natural mineral is among the permitted food additives. Chocolates sprinkled with talc do not cake and do not change the taste. The chemical composition of the substance determines the inertness of the material in relation to the active reagents of the digestive tract.

Physical and chemical properties of talc

Talc is a recognized benchmark for the softness of natural materials. There is no stone on Earth that is softer and more pliable than talc - this is especially noted by placing the mineral in the first place on the Mohs scale of comparative hardness.

The chemical formula of talc is Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. Hydrogenated magnesium silicate often includes impurities - metals, water. Impurity metals change the color of the stone. In nature, talc is colorless or white, grayish, has shades of green or yellow-green. The mineral is translucent. The gloss is greasy, sometimes pearlescent.

The density of talc does not reach 2.85 g/cm3. The crystals are prismatic, with a flattened-pyramidal top. They have no jewelry value. Talc does not react with acids and alkalis.

History of the mineral

The mineral owes its name to the Persians: talq in Farsi means “white, clean”. In Russian tradition, the stone was called soap or wen. The famous metallurgist of the ΧVΙ century Georg Agricola, compiling a register of natural substances, named the soft, easily exfoliating rock talc - and the name stuck.

Attempts to use talc in business go back several millennia. Pounded into powder, iron-free talc is a trouble-free remedy for the occurrence of scuffs and diaper rash on the skin. For perfumers, talc is one of the natural concentrators of aromas. Stove builders use soapstone for laying stoves and fireplaces: the refractory properties of the mineral are widely known.

Ancient Egyptian talc jewelry, carved more than seven thousand years ago, has come down to us. Primitive necklaces of those years coexist in museum windows with finely crafted images of scarab beetles.

The Sumerians cut talcum seals. The Greeks and Romans made talc cameos. In ancient China, tinted talc was passed off as jade. Russian carvers left several creations, among which the carved icon of Demetrius of Thessalonica stands out.

Modern Finnish artisans carve various containers from soapstone that are in demand on the farm.

Origin and deposits

According to mineralogists, talc is formed as a result of the interaction of dolomites and waters from hot springs. Talc stones of various impurity composition are a consequence of the reactions of silicic decomposition of magnesian rocks.

Talc deposits are ubiquitous. However, only in Brazil there are large (up to 5 cm) crystals of talc covered with a quartz crust. The United States remains the champion in industrial production of talc for many years. Canada, France, Russia, the countries of the Far East are famous for the development of high-quality talc.

Application of talc

Talc is inert, which allows it to be used as a filler in the production of paints and varnishes. Unlike coated paper, talcum paper perfectly absorbs ink and is therefore used for compiling especially important documents.

Talc knurling turns kraft paper into a product that can withstand heat and electrical breakdown. The addition of talc to the composition of the ceramic mass increases the resistance of the product to intense high-frequency irradiation.

In some branches of mechanical engineering, talc is used as a solid lubricant. Treatment of rubbing surfaces with talcum powder is a common technological technique. In light industry, pressed talc is used as a marking material. Talc chalk, unlike ordinary chalk, is easily washed off the fabric.

Women know: powder (even the most inexpensive one) dries the skin well and confidently protects it from the effects of dust-like allergens. Powder is made, of course, from talc! Other decorative cosmetics also contain talc.

For several hundred years now, official medicine has been introducing talc into the composition of external body treatment products. Folk medicine went even further.

The healing properties of talc

Cosmetic creams on a fatty and emulsion basis are kneaded by folk healers on herbs, and green (nickel) talc, ground into powder, is certainly used as a thickener.

Homemade soap, flavored with a fair dose of talc, lathers well, glides over the skin, relieves inflammation, and treats pustular diseases. True, doctors do not welcome the ingress of talcum powder into the body. Inhalation of talc has been reported to cause pneumoconiosis. The introduction of the smallest particles of talc into the mucous surface of the genital organs creates the risk of neoplasms.

The heat capacity and thermal conductivity of talc surprisingly exactly match those of the human body. Comfortable perception of heated talcum stone makes it possible to use the mineral in heating treatment. Direct contact with a soapstone is pleasant to a person!

The magical properties of talc

Healing drugs that can restore youth and bestow beauty are traditionally made on talc gruel. Spells and invocations cast on a symbol carved from talcum powder are ineffective. Not possessing great inner strength, talc, however, is oriented towards goodness.

Talc amulets and talismans are equally weak in helping all people. It is much more efficient to keep soapstone in the house in a significant mass (bathroom cladding, sauna heater, sculptural decorations). Then the soft, blurry, but noticeably positive effect of talc will be palpable.

Talc is the most abundant material on Earth, and this soft mineral is used in cosmetics and many industries. It occupies one of the first "honorable" places on the Mohs scale, which clearly indicates its softness, although coarse-grained talc is also found in nature, which is commonly called steatite. And it is he who takes on the function of an ornamental stone.

Description of the mineral

Talc has been known to people for a long time, and one of the first to use it was George Agricola, the great scientist of the Renaissance. It was he who gave the mineral the name that people use to this day. Talc is a crystalline substance, which, due to its physico-chemical characteristics, seems greasy to the touch. This feature is explained by the friability of the mineral, and if it gets wet, then it will be simply impossible to hold a piece of talc in your hands, because it was not without reason that in ancient times it was called a “soap” stone.

"Real" talc has a pure white color, but if it contains metal impurities, then the color palette expands significantly. For example, the presence of iron, aluminum, chromium, manganese, nickel determines the hue of the mineral, and it can have a pinkish, yellow-golden, silvery-gray, brownish color. In thin layers, an almost transparent mineral is sometimes found, which looks very much like mica and is highly resistant to alkalis and acids. At its core, it is a secondary mineral formed as a result of a change in the chemical composition of magnesium silicates.

Deposits and production

The stone belongs to the category of the most ancient, which is clearly evidenced by the finds of archaeologists on the territory of modern Egypt, where amulets and jewelry were discovered during the research. In those distant times, talc was also mined in the East, and hard greenish stones were considered one of the best imitations of jade. Now it is mined almost all over the planet, and its main deposits in the Russian Federation are concentrated in the Urals and Siberia. Real deposits were found in the Trans-Baikal and Krasnoyarsk Territories.

A high-quality mineral is mined in France, Poland and some other European countries. Brazil, USA, Egypt, China - all these are territories with inexhaustible sources of talc. Some areas of Africa and South America are very rich in it, but mining is not carried out, since not a single state experiences a shortage of this peculiar stone, and its reserves are practically inexhaustible. It is noteworthy that a stone that has a solid structure is valued the most.

Varieties

The appearance, structure and properties of the mineral are determined by impurities:

1. 1. Soapstone. The composition of the mineral contains chlorite and talc in a ratio of 1: 1.
   2. noble talc. This is the same ornamental stone that can be perfectly processed and polished. It has the appearance of white or translucent crystals, which are characterized by high density.

1. Willemseit. Nickel and magnesium are present in this mineral, with the former dominating the latter, which gives this stone a bluish-green tint.
2. Minnesota. Brown stone. What gives him such a color? Iron dominates over magnesium.
3. Agalite. It is often confused with asbestos, and the reason for this confusion lies in the similarity of the structures.
4. Steatitis. This is the same legendary “soapstone” or, as it is also called, “wen”. A distinctive feature is a massive dense structure.

Physical and chemical properties

Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 is the chemical formula of talc, which is essentially hydrous magnesium silicate. In some cases, silicon can be replaced by nature with aluminum or titanium, and magnesium with manganese or iron. The quantitative and qualitative composition of impurities directly depends on the deposit. Talc is formed by the transformation of certain minerals, and in order for the “process to start”, it takes time, water and constant exposure to high temperatures - about 400 degrees.

The stone can have the most bizarre shades: from white to brown, in addition, it can be translucent. It has low elasticity, however, some varieties of the mineral bend perfectly. The mineral has low electrical and thermal conductivity, it is non-toxic, poorly soluble in acids and water. For medical and cosmetic purposes, talc is finely crushed and turned into a white powder, greasy to the touch. If necessary, the powder can be sterilized at a temperature of 160 degrees, however, this will take at least an hour.

Application in cosmetology

Women who use eye shadow every day are unaware that they contain talc. But it is he who allows decorative cosmetics not to crumble and stick well on the skin. In addition, this powdered product is often introduced into the composition of creams and other cosmetics, including powder. What does it give? Talc protects the skin and provides them with softness, smoothness and dryness for a long time. The fact is that the mineral crushed into dust is an excellent adsorbent, which literally collects sebum, sweat and chemicals, bacteria on its surface. Thus, the epidermis is provided with additional protection.

According to some scientists, this unique powder prevents the appearance and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. This is probably why it is present in baby powders. It can also be found in face masks, dry deodorants, and other products. Of course, special requirements are imposed on talc used in medicine and cosmetology: the particles must be of a certain size, without impurities, foreign odors and pathogenic microflora.

Medicinal properties

Specialists from the field of medicine believe that talc takes on the function of an antiseptic and successfully performs it. This clearly proves the historical fact, when before the invention of antibiotics in hospitals, wounds were covered with talc, since there was simply no other alternative. And it really helped to reduce the likelihood of gangrene. Yes, the powder has an anti-inflammatory property, but for it to “work”, its particles must have a certain size, since too small ones clog the skin pores, which, on the contrary, often causes inflammation.

Now talc powders are used by people with delicate skin, and besides, they are simply indispensable for infants. By the way, some doctors recommend taking this powder inside, which is not necessary, since such experiments can adversely affect health. Although, at the same time, talc is present in many drugs, however, it is used as a filler, along with starch. If you managed to get whole, not crushed stones, then they can be heated and used as a heating pad.

The benefits and harms of taklk

There is more benefit from talc than harm, but still it is. This mineral is continuously subjected to research, during which scientists have found that it can be dangerous.

If you inhale mineral dust or powder for a long time, you can become a victim of a very unpleasant disease called talcosis. This ailment is inherent in people who, by occupation, daily deal with mineral dust. In addition, oncologists put forward their own version: talc in certain situations can act as a carcinogen and provoke the appearance of cancer. It is noteworthy that this theory has not been confirmed.

magical properties

Almost all ancient and medieval sorcerers believed that this powdered talc could restore lost youth and beauty. Their “clients” sacredly believed in this, paying exorbitant amounts for anti-aging ointments and creams. In part, such drugs contributed to giving the skin a more attractive appearance, but this is not the merit of magicians and witches, but talc, which unwittingly became a source of enrichment for charlatans. It is noteworthy that this mineral is not used to make talismans and amulets, and in addition, it does not patronize any of the zodiac constellations.

Application

Probably, there is no industry in which talc would not be used: this is the production of rubber products, the manufacture of paper, the production of paints and varnishes, and even the food industry. Since talcum stone is endowed with unique physical and chemical properties, its use is expanding significantly. For example, large-sized minerals are sawn into sheets that are used as lining material for sinks, switchboards, laboratory tables, and other products. Often this material is assigned the role of a dry lubricant.

Where else can you find talc, in addition to pharmacies, hospitals and industrial production? For example, in offices. The fact is that for the preparation of especially important documents, the so-called talc paper is used, which perfectly absorbs ink. In addition, progressive ateliers and sewing workshops have long switched to talc chalk instead of the usual one (participates in cutting fabric). This is due to the fact that the compressed talc is much easier to remove from the material, and this is very important. Talc powder can be found anywhere, for example, plastic and rubber products are sprinkled with it in order to prevent them from sticking together, and even ordinary rubber household gloves are always powdered from the inside with this universal powder.