Softest known mineral, talc is a metamorphic mineral formed from the metamorphism of magnesian minerals such as serpentine, pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, in the presence of carbon dioxide and water.
In loose form, it is used as talcum powder. Generally grey in color, talc is a greasy substance with streaks of white. Talc is a widely used mineral, from its use in industries such as paper making, plastic, paint, rubber, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ceramics, to food processing, talc has varied uses.
Highly resistant to heat and electricity, it is used for surfaces of lab counter tops and electrical switchboards.
Mostly, talc is used as a cosmetic (talcum powder), baby powder, and as an astringent powder. Talc also has medicinal uses; it is used as a pleurodesis agent to prevent recurrent pleural effusion.
The World Map of Talc Producing Countries shows a list of the top countries that produce large quantities of talc. As the data in the map shows, China is the world’s largest producer of talc with an annual production of 2300 thousand metric tonnes of talc. South Korea ranks second in talc production followed by India, United States, Finland, France, Brazil, and Japan.
The Luzenac Group is the largest talc producers in the United States; the group accounts for the twenty five percent of the total talc consumed in the world. Talc that is metamorphosed from dolomite is one of the whitest and purest form of talc. The United States has large deposits of such talc.
MAJOR TALC PRODUCERS OF THE WORLD-2010
| COUNTRY | PRODUCTION (THOUSAND METRIC TONNES) |
|---|---|
| China | 2300 |
| South Korea | 910 |
| India | 640 |
| United States | 530 |
| Finland | 500 |
| France | 420 |
| Brazil | 410 |
| Japan | 360 |
| Other Countries | 1380 |