Earth Sciences
Collections

Talc

UNB-2017-0067Minerals » Silicates » Phyllosilicates

Description

Sample of white Talc with a pearly lustre that is fibrous to compact in form. Talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) can be either apple-green or white in colour with a pearly or greasy lustre. Streak is white and hardness is 1. Cleavage is perfect in one direction. Talc is usually found as a foliated or granular form but can also be fibrous, compact or waxy.

Specifications

Object nameTalc
IDUNB-2017-0067
Legal statusPermanent collection
CategoryMineral
Classification
Mineral group:
Silicates
Sub-group:
Phyllosilicates
Composition
  • (Al,Fe2+,Fe3+Li,Mg,Mn,Ni)5−6(Al,Fe3+,Si)4(O,OH)18
  • K(Fe,Mg)3AlSi3O10(OH)2
  • (Mg,Fe2+)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
  • Various (e.g., Muscovite - KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2)
  • Al2Si2O5(OH)4
  • K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si,Rb)4O10(F,OH)2
  • Na2AlSi3O8·H2O
  • LiAlSi4O10
  • NaAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
  • D3[Si2O5](OH)4
  • Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4
  • KAl2(AlSi3O10)(F,OH)2
OriginUnknown
Pieces1
PartialNo
Measurements
  • 3.5cm x 8cm x 2.5cm

Publications

  • Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.