TALC

Talc is a hydrated magnesium silicate. It is the softest mineral on earth. All talc powders have a lamellar structure and are organophilic, water-repellent and chemically inert. There are many different grades of talc powder.

Each talc mine has its own characteristics, its own geology, formed millions of years ago. Talc is almost always found in combination with at least one other mineral, the most common of these is chlorite which is mineralogically and structurally very similar to talc. Other associated minerals often found with talc are dolomite and magnesite.

Although all talc powders are lamellar, platelet size differs from one talc to another. Small crystals provide a compact, dense mineral, known as micro-lamellar talc. Large crystals come in  papery layers, known as macro-lamellar talc. The mineralogy and morphology of each talc determine its individual properties.

Imerys has taken the attributes of different talc grades to bring customers improved performance in a wide range of applications such as paper, paints, inks, plastics, rubber, ceramics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and soaps.