Talcum powder

Matt white shimmering, soapy or greasy feeling, mineral silicon compound (soapstone; magnesium silicate hydrate) with the chemical composition Mg3Si4O10(OH₎₂. Talcum is the softest mineral with a hardness of 1.

Talcum is versatile. It is used as a finely ground filler in the paper and cellulose industry, the paint and varnish industry as well as the rubber, plastics and ceramics industry. Talcum is also used as a powder base, as a lubricant (to improve the flow properties of powders). Talcum has a good absorption capacity for oils. However, it can only absorb very small amounts of water.

Talc is approved in the EU as a food additive with the number E 553b.

Talcum powder must not be inhaled! Foreign body granulomas may form in the peripheral airways after inhalation of the fine powder. Foreign body granulomas of the skin(talcum granuloma) are also possible after implementation of talcum. Talcum is mainly extracted in Europe, the USA and the People's Republic of China.