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Talc

What is the TALC? 
Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate with the chemical Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. In loose form, it is the widely used substance known as talcum powder. It occurs as foliated to fibrous masses, its monoclinic crystals being so rare as to be almost unknown. It has a perfect basal cleavage, and the folia are non-elastic, although slightly flexible. It is sectile and very soft, with a hardness of 1 (Talc is the softest of the Mohs' scale of mineral hardness, and can be easily scratched by a fingernail). It has a specific gravity of 2.5-2.8, a clear or dusty luster, and is translucent to opaque. Talc is not soluble in water, but it is slightly soluble in dilute mineral acids. Its colour ranges from white to grey or green and it has a distinctly greasy feel. Its streak is white. 

The main characteristics of talc are:

• It's naturally hydrophobic and organophilic 
• It's inert and resist very well to acids and alkalis 
• It's the softest mineral in the world 
• It's a good electric and thermal insulator 
• It's neither inflammable nor explosive