Magnesium Silicate

Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂

IUPAC: Magnesium silicate hydroxide

CAS: 14807-96-6

Overview

Talc (hydrous magnesium silicate) is the softest known mineral, rated 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its layered crystal structure allows sheets to slide easily, giving it a soapy, greasy feel. It is the primary ingredient in talcum powder and is used in many industrial applications.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 2 1.0080
Oxygen O 12 15.9990
Magnesium Mg 3 24.3050
Silicon Si 4 28.0850

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×2
0.5%
O
Oxygen ×12
50.6%
Mg
Magnesium ×3
19.2%
Si
Silicon ×4
29.6%

Uses

  • • Talcum powder and baby powder
  • • Paper coating and filler
  • • Ceramics
  • • Cosmetics (foundation, eye shadow)

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The softest mineral on the Mohs scale (hardness 1), can be scratched with a fingernail

Safety

  • ⚠ Contamination with asbestos is a historical concern
  • ⚠ Inhalation of fine particles may affect lungs

Structure

SMILES

[OH-].[OH-].[O-][Si]12O[Si]3(O[Si](O1)(O[Si](O2)(O3)[O-])[O-])[O-].[Mg+2].[Mg+2].[Mg+2]

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
solid
Molar Mass
379.27 g/mol
Density
2.7500 g/cm³
Melting Point
900.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
377.8175
TPSA
150.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
12
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
19
Complexity
188.0

Also Known As

Talc Soapstone

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magnesium Silicate?
Magnesium Silicate (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Magnesium silicate hydroxide.
What is the molecular weight of Magnesium Silicate?
Magnesium Silicate has a molar mass of 379.266 g/mol.
What state is Magnesium Silicate at room temperature?
Magnesium Silicate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Magnesium Silicate organic or inorganic?
Magnesium Silicate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Magnesium Silicate?
Magnesium Silicate (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si).