Talc

Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂

IUPAC: Hydrated magnesium silicate

CAS: 14807-96-6

Overview

Talc is the softest known mineral (Mohs hardness 1) and the primary ingredient in talcum powder. It is used in cosmetics, paper, and plastics.

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
  • • Paper filler
  • • Cosmetics
  • • Ceramic glaze

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale, with a rating of 1

Safety

  • ⚠ Controversy over possible asbestos contamination in some deposits

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
mineral
State
solid
Molar Mass
379.27 g/mol
Density
2.7500 g/cm³
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

Related Compounds

Calcium Silicate

CaSiO₃

Kaolinite

Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄

Potassium Feldspar

KAlSi₃O₈

Zeolite A

Na₁₂Al₁₂Si₁₂O₄₈

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Talc?
Talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂) is a mineral compound with the IUPAC name Hydrated magnesium silicate.
What is the molecular weight of Talc?
Talc has a molar mass of 379.27 g/mol.
What state is Talc at room temperature?
Talc is a solid at room temperature.
Is Talc organic or inorganic?
Talc is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Talc?
Talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si).