Probably, everyone at least once in their life used talc for one purpose or another. However, is talc a mineral or a rock? This stone has a number of specific properties. Due to this, it is used in cosmetology, and for the production of children's skin care products, and in industry (production of paints and varnishes, mechanical engineering, etc.)
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 - by 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, Krasnoyarskedge. 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.
Mineral varieties
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.
Main physical characteristics of the mineral
This stone has a translucent to brown color. In powder, its color is white. Talc is the softest mineral, with a hardness of one on the Mohs scale. 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 withtemperature 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 baby powder that perfectly removes excess moisture, thus protecting the baby's delicate skin from irritation. However, this point should also be taken into account: prolonged inhalation or use of the powder of this mineral can provoke problems with the respiratory system, changes in tissues.
Features of baby powder
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, zinc oxide. 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 cosmeticmeans: powder-powder and liquid talc. The powder has good deodorizing and antiseptic properties. However, when used, the child may inhale some of the mineral powder. Liquid talc is easy to use, when applied to the surface of the skin, it turns into 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 pour first on a cotton pad or your own palm, and only then apply with light powdering movements between the folds of the baby's skin.
The use of talc in cosmetology
Almost all eyeshadows contain talcum powder. 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. The powder is subject to certainrequirements. Firstly, it must be thoroughly cleaned of impurities and microorganisms, and odorless. Secondly, there are also 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). In the clothing industry, chalk is often replaced with compressed talc. It makes good marks, it is easier to remove from fabrics. Due to its thermal and electrical insulating properties, the mineral is used in the ceramic industry (to increase resistance to high frequency radiation).
