The name of such a substance as talc is familiar to everyone. Basically, we associate it with baby powder, cosmetics or medicine. But the scope of talc is much wider: from a filler in the paper and paint industries to its use in the production of dietary supplements and medicines. Few people know that the same talc is an E553 stabilizer, often used in the confectionery industry to give a glossy sheen to dragees and caramel. In addition, as food additive talc prevents caking of bulk products. But is talc so harmless that its use is widespread, and what is the benefit of the mineral, MedAboutMe figured out.
By nature, talc is a hydrous (hydrated) magnesium silicate. Usually its chemical formula is as follows - Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. But what does this set of letters and numbers mean? The composition of talc may vary, for example, instead of silicon, it may contain aluminum / titanium, and magnesium, in some variations, is replaced by iron / manganese. A substance can have different impurities, determined by the location of its extraction sites.
One of the softest minerals, it is oily to the touch and, depending on the variety, can be white to greenish in color. In various fields of human activity, talc is used mainly in the form of a powder, characterized by:
- excellent adsorbing properties, allowing it to eliminate moisture and odors;
- antibacterial effect;
- a sufficiently long shelf life, subject to appropriate conditions;
- the possibility of independent use, if we are talking about medical talc.
In paper production, the powder is used to coat high-quality paper that absorbs ink well. In the sewing business, compressed talc replaces the chalk used to mark fabrics. In the manufacture of ceramics, the mineral allows you to improve its heat and sound insulation parameters. Talc is used to prevent caking and sticking of plastic and rubber products stored in warehouses and factories. In the food industry, the mineral acts not only as an emulsifier. Talc is also used in glazing polished rice to give the grains a crisp white hue.
But, despite the similar prevalence of the use of talc, most often we encounter it in the medical and cosmetic field.
Talc is widely used in the production of dietary supplements and drugs, such as calcium gluconate. It is an excellent source of trace elements essential for health - magnesium and silicon. The permissible concentration of the mineral in the composition should not exceed 30%. Experts do not recommend taking such drugs for:
- elevated temperature;
- diseases of some organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
- pregnancy and lactation.
In the medical field, talc is also used as an external agent. For example, everyone knows that medical gloves are coated with a layer of talc to make them easy to put on. Also familiar to everyone is baby powder, which removes excess moisture well and protects the skin from friction and irritation. The composition of such a tool also contains starch and zinc oxide. The special powder is characterized by excellent moisture-absorbing and antiseptic properties.
In addition to powdered, liquid talc is no less in demand today. Such a tool is more convenient to use, since it is easy to apply and prevents mineral particles from entering the child's respiratory tract.
Pharmaceutical talc undergoes appropriate processing. To begin with, the mineral composition is cleaned of impurities, and then processed with a dilute solution of hypochlorous acid. Next, the powder is washed and dried, and then sterilized. For neutralization from microorganisms, talc is calcined at a temperature of 160 ° C. Ethylene calcination technology or gamma irradiation treatment may also be used.
Due to its properties, talc is one of the most demanded substances in the production of various cosmetic products, in particular:
- various powders;
- face and body powders;
- eye shadow;
- foundation creams;
- dry antiperspirants;
- skin masks, etc.
Talc-based powder has a special texture, it is easily applied to the skin and distributed over it, eliminates excess fat, and is characterized by a deodorizing effect.
Talc is often referred to as soapstone. When interacting with water, the mineral becomes slippery and due to this property it is actively used in the production of soaps, shower gels and shaving foams. Also, talc can act as a thickening agent in toothpaste.
As part of dry antiperspirants, the powdered substance reduces hyperhidrosis, protects against unpleasant odors, diaper rash and calluses, and provides a feeling of cleanliness and coolness.
What is the harm of talc to health?
Disputes regarding the harm of talc have been going on for a long time. It has been proven that frequent exposure of the respiratory tract to this substance leads to the development of talcosis. This disease affects mainly people working in industries or often in contact with talc in other conditions. At the beginning of its development, talcosis is manifested by shortness of breath, and after - a dry cough. The longer the contact of the respiratory tract with talc, the more of its particles accumulate in the body, which leads to the development of chronic bronchitis and increases the risk of tuberculosis.
According to scientists, another danger of talc is an increased risk of cancer. Experts say that the frequent application of powders on the skin of the external genital organs in women at times increases the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Employees at Harvard Medical School in Boston determined that just 1 week of using talc for intimate hygiene increases the chance of developing uterine cancer by as much as 24%. And with the regular use of cosmetic and medical powders, the risk of ovarian cancer increases by 41%. The powdered substance, as it is applied, partially penetrates into the cavity of the internal genital organs and can accumulate for years, causing frequent inflammatory processes and, as a result, malignant degeneration of tissues.
A soft white mineral with a greenish tint. It is widely used in cosmetology, pharmacology, paint and varnish industry. This mineral is quite acid-resistant and is an excellent thermal and electrical insulator.
Description of the mineral and its properties
For many, the word "talc" has associations with which they are used to powder skin folds in babies. This hygiene product contains a powder of this element, aromatic substances and dyes. And really, what is talc? This is an amazing mineral with a unique chemical formula, which is formed at considerable depths at high temperatures.
Talc, which is mined in different deposits, has differences in its structure and chemical composition. There are minerals with a large percentage of magnesium, chromium and aluminum, and there is also an increased amount of iron and nickel ions. This substance is greasy to the touch and very soft. It does not burn, withstands high temperatures, does not melt or crack. What is talc and what is it, we figured it out a bit. Now let's talk about its application in various industries.
The use of talc in industry
Even in ancient times, this amazing mineral was used in the manufacture of jewelry and dishes. Items with its content were found by archaeologists during excavations. In modern times, talc is used in various fields of production. So, in cosmetology and the perfume industry, it is used as an additive in the manufacture of powder, eye shadow, and soap. In medicine, it is used to make powder for the treatment of diaper rash. Talc is used as a substance to prevent sticking of rubber gloves. Not less than importance has this mineral in paper production. It is necessary in the manufacture of thick paper to obtain a smooth surface. In textile works, harsh fabrics are bleached with a solution of this mineral. The paint and varnish industry also cannot do without this amazing substance, because thanks to it waterproof paints appeared. When firing ceramic products, talc is added. It is also present in colored pencil leads and acts as an excellent heat and electrical insulator.
Talc in cosmetics
Cosmetology is one of the industries in which this mineral is widely used. It has antibacterial and absorbent qualities. The absence of crystalline quartz and amphibole in it allows the production of environmentally friendly and safe products. Dry antiperspirants are also made from it. Powder is widely used in decorative cosmetics. So, for example, 80% of the shadows is talc. The price for 200 g of powder is about 50 rubles. Before being added to cosmetic products, talc undergoes thorough processing, it is cleaned of microbiological elements. When working with it, it is important to know what talc is and what danger it carries. After all, this substance is toxic - inhaling it causes serious lung diseases.
A soft mineral with a mysterious mother-of-pearl luster has excited the minds of alchemists since ancient times. He was credited with the gift of restoring youth and beauty. The ancient explorers weren't too far off the mark: talc is the basis of most cosmetic powders, blushes, eye shadows and mascaras.
In the food industry, the substance is known under the code E 553b.
Talc is the main name of the substance. International variant - Talc.
Synonyms:
- E 553b (E-553b), European code;
- E 553(iii), designation in SanPiN;
- hydrated magnesium silicate;
- hydrous magnesium silicate;
- soapstone.
Substance type
Additive E 553b refers to. Performs the same functions as other compounds of this group: acidity, anti-caking agent.
It is a magnesium salt of silicic acid.
The product is obtained by calcining natural talc and other minerals, mainly consisting of magnesium hydrosilicate (for example, chrysotile).
Another method of obtaining a substance is popular: in special autoclaves, silicate glasses are crystallized at temperatures from 1000 to 1100 ° C.
Properties
| Index | Standard values |
| Color | white, grayish tint allowed |
| Compound | magnesium oxide, silicon dioxide, impurities: aluminum oxide, sometimes nickel oxide; the composition is unstable, may vary depending on the type of mineral and impurities; chemical formula Mg 3 (OH) 2 Si 4 O 10 |
| Appearance | very soft fine powder, oily and slippery to the touch, lamellar crystals |
| Smell | absent |
| Solubility | practically insoluble in water, organic liquids, diluted acids |
| The content of the main substance | 62–63% (for talc from the Onot deposit) |
| Taste | absent |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm3 |
| Other | inert to acids and alkalis; hygroscopic |
Package
Talc is packaged in paper or synthetic bags with an additional polyethylene liner.
In retail, the additive comes in polymer bottles or cans, less often in paper bags.
Application
In the food industry
E 553b grade A (high purity) is approved in the food industry. The main scope of application is the confectionery industry.
The substance in an amount of 0.5 to 1.2 kg/ton is included in the production of sugary products: dragees, caramels and similar delicacies (except chocolate).The use of talc provides: 
- better sliding of confectionery masses;
- smooth finish with a slight pearly sheen;
- protection against caramel sticking to equipment and wrapping material.
Additive E 553b can be used as an anti-caking agent in bulk products and grated cheeses, but the substance is not in particular demand in these areas.
In the cosmetics industry
Talc has gained popularity among cosmetics manufacturers.
Without a mineral filler, it is difficult to imagine various powders, powders, eyeshadows, foundation creams. It is to the talc that the rest of the ingredients are mixed.
Talc-based powder has several advantages:
- easy to apply on the skin due to the special thin and delicate texture;
- removes excess fat from the surface;
- has a deodorizing effect;
- effectively mattifies the skin, smoothes unevenness, gives a special silkiness and a healthy glow.
The mineral talc is not in vain called soapstone. It got its name because it became slippery when water hit it. Talc itself does not have cleaning properties, but due to its special structure it is able to facilitate the sliding of surfactants and improve the texture of the product. The property made it possible to use the E 553b additive as one of the components of soap, shower products, and shaving foam. The substance as a filler-thickener and a light abrasive is part of toothpastes and powder.
Due to its bactericidal properties, the ability to absorb water, stabilize the pH level, talc is used as a dry antiperspirant. Mineral powder:
- effectively fights hyperhidrosis;
- protects against the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- prevents the occurrence of diaper rash and calluses;
- creates a feeling of coolness;
- prevents the development of pathogenic microflora.
In medicine
In medicine, E 553b is used as a powder with antibacterial and drying effects. With the help of talc, bedsores, psoriasis, dermatitis and similar ailments are treated. Hypoallergenic powder treats the skin of babies to protect against diaper rash.
Talc is included in the production of tablets, biological additives (no more than 30% of the medicinal mass): the substance is completely decomposed in the digestive system, it is not an allergen. The product can be considered as an additional source of magnesium and silicon.
Talc is sprinkled on rubber products to prevent sticking during storage.
Talc is used in the pulp and paper industry to make special grade products. High-quality talc paper is characterized by increased whiteness and the ability to quickly absorb ink. Use it to draw up documents of national importance.Additive E 553b is permitted in all countries. The allowable rate is undefined.
Benefit and harm
The use of talc in the food industry is recognized as safe: the amount of the substance is negligible. The supplement is completely broken down in the stomach and excreted by the kidneys.
Numerous disputes are ongoing around the use of the substance in the composition of cosmetics. Claims that talc clogs pores, blocks oxygen, and dehydrates the skin are unfounded. Powders, powder and other products are usually applied for several hours.
If you do not forget to remove makeup before going to bed, the mineral powder will not cause harm. Oxygen enters the body mainly through the blood, the skin practically does not participate in transit.Do not withstand criticism and publications about the presence of carcinogenic asbestos fibers in talc. Talc for food, cosmetic and medical needs is produced with a high degree of purification; harmful impurities, including heavy metals, have been removed from the product.
Asbestos fiber in talc, like talc dust, is dangerous if inhaled regularly. This is usually possible in industrial plants. The ingress of talc particles into the lungs can cause a serious illness - pneumoconiosis.
Main manufacturers
The only company in Russia supplying talc for the food industry, cosmetic industry and medicine is the mining and processing enterprise TALKSIB. The company extracts the mineral from the Onotskoye deposit (Irkutsk region).
Leading global manufacturers: 
- STORIVIA (France);
- Polyment GmbH (Germany);
- Ventruz Minérios (Brazil).
Interesting fact! On the territory of Egypt, jewelry made of talc was found, presumably created in the 4th century BC.
Talc is not an ornamental jewelry material, but in some eastern countries it was used to imitate expensive jade.
Carved in the 11th century from talcum powder, a unique icon depicting St. Demetrius of Thessalonica has been perfectly preserved to this day.
- ground mineral, related to layered silicates, is a greasy friable powder of white color, odorless. Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in acids. The quality of talc is determined by its whiteness.Density 2.7-2.8 g/cm³. Melting point 1530°C.
Three-layer talc crystals, having a very strong internal bond, are very weakly bonded to each other. This determines many of the physical and mechanical properties of talc: softness, fat content, slipperiness, stickiness, easy splitting and grinding.
Chemical formula: Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2
The advantages of pharmaceutical talc are:
Absorbs odor well
Facilitates the intake of solid medications;
Has antibacterial properties;
Improves the texture of cosmetics;
Gives cosmetics water-repellent properties, allows you to better stay on the skin;
It is a soft, inert filler;
Possesses high adsorbing properties;
The absence of amphibole and crystalline quartz allows you to create safe, environmentally friendly products.
Pharmaceutical talc is used as an auxiliary substance for the production of medicines and cosmetic products.
Talc in cosmetology.
The use of talc in cosmetics is 2% of its total consumption. The main application for talc in cosmetics is baby powder, where the talc's pH level and surface properties allow odor retention. In dry antiperspirants, talc is used as a filler because of its ability to stick to the skin and because of its low price.
In cosmetic shadows, talc makes up to 80% of the mass. The natural properties of talc give cosmetics durability, texture, water repellency, and allow them to better adhere to the skin. In pressed cosmetic products, talc with a fineness of less than 5µm is used, as otherwise the presence of air in the product may impair its quality.
In more specialized applications, talc is treated with special hydrophobic coatings. This allows it to be used in cosmetic products applied to both dry and wet skin.
In cosmetics, talc has different requirements. The main requirements are cleanliness, absence of impurities and odor. The maximum particle size is well defined (Before using talc in the manufacture of cosmetic products, talc is specially treated to remove microbiological elements. Calcination at the final stage of the talc production process is not always effective, although it can kill microorganisms to some extent. More effective methods treatments are steam sterilization, gamma irradiation and ethylene calcination.
Talc in pharmaceuticals.
In general, the pharmaceutical industry represents a small market for industrial mineral producers, not only in terms of consumption but also in the number of talc producers supplying the pharmaceutical industry. The requirements for the quality of minerals are very high, the production of medical talc requires significant investment in equipment and time, and the demand for medical talc is low.
Despite the fact that prices for industrial minerals used in medicine are high, only major manufacturers and trading companies, as well as specialized firms with technical and financial support, supply minerals to this industry.
Pharmaceutical talc is processed to remove impurities (iron oxide, dolomite, coal, magnesium and carbonates). Then it is treated with a weak solution of hypochlorous acid, washed, dried and sterilized. Sterilization to kill microorganisms can be carried out either by calcination at 160°C for one hour, or by gamma irradiation or ethylene calcination.
What is talc? It is known to most people as a white powder, which is widely used in cosmetics. The mineral has the ability to absorb moisture and oils well and have an astringent effect on human skin. It is an inert ingredient, i.e. does not enter into chemical reactions when it enters the body or on the skin. People have been using its positive properties since ancient Egypt.
Talc has the ability to absorb moisture and oils well and have an astringent effect on human skin.
Talc is a mineral widely distributed in nature and of great industrial importance. Also known as the softest mineral. What is talc and what is its chemical composition? It contains silicon, magnesium, oxygen and hydrogen. The talc formula is expressed by writing Mg3 Si4 O10 (OH)2.
Talc is a mineral widely distributed in nature and of great industrial importance.
Talc is a translucent mineral that is green, white, grey, brown or colorless. Sometimes there are other shades of stone, such as red or burgundy. It has a sheet structure, like mica. The sheets are held together only by van der Waltz bonds and easily slide relative to each other. Thanks to this, talc is the softest mineral. Feels greasy and soapy to the touch., which allows it to be used as a high-temperature lubricant (melting point is about 160ºС). When heated, it becomes more solid, has a weak electrical conductivity.
Most of the talc is produced in China, the USA and Japan. In Russia, the deposits are located in the Urals and Siberia. The quality of the mineral depends on the degree of whiteness of the crystals. During the extraction process, care is taken to avoid contamination by other species that may have a negative effect on the color of the product. Impurities are removed using the froth flotation method or by mechanical treatment. Mills produce crushing to the size required by customers.
Gallery: talc stone (34 photos)
Steatite is a type of talc
Talc is a constituent of many rocks. Steatite is a massive variety of metamorphic origin. Another name is soapstone. It has been mined for thousands of years. They made dishes from it that were not afraid of fire and slowly gave off heat. The rock consists mainly of talc with various amounts of other minerals (chlorite, magnesite). The color of steatite is gray, bluish, green, brown or variegated. Since its main component is talc, it has properties similar to it. This makes steatite a valuable material for many applications. Physical properties include:
- softness and ability to be easily cut;
- high density and lack of porosity;
- heat resistance and high thermal conductivity;
- ability to absorb moisture;
- resistance to alkalis and acids.
The mineral and chemical compositions are not constant, which is why its physical properties can vary in different minerals and even within the same rock. It depends on the starting material, temperature conditions and pressure.
Where is talc mined (video)
The level of metamorphism often determines the granularity of the steatite and its hardness.
The special properties of the rock allow steatite to be widely used in many areas:
- production of countertops and sinks;
- creation of decorative carvings;
- construction of stoves and fireplaces;
- making dishes;
- use as building and finishing material;
- molds for metal casting;
- production of marker pencils.
Due to its properties, steatite stone is used for medical purposes as a natural heating pad, as it can store heat for a long time.
How is talc applied?
Everyone knows what talc is, but few people know about its widespread use. It finds application in medicine, pharmaceutical, textile and paint industries, as well as in the cosmetics industry. Application of talc:
- Coating of medical and technical products made of rubber and plastic to prevent sticking during storage. Use in everyday life to eliminate friction of contacting surfaces (in the chamber of a bicycle tire, in rubber gloves, shoes).
- Application in the production of plastics and ceramic products. It usually acts as a filler, while increasing the rigidity of products, increasing their heat resistance and reducing shrinkage.
- Talc is a powder that is used on the skin of children from the first day of birth. In addition to this mineral, it also contains zinc oxide and starch, which enhance beneficial features facilities.
- Talc powder is used as a filler in paints. It facilitates their application to the surface and at the same time serves as a bleach for light colors.
- Used as an additive in the manufacture of paper, it makes it smoother, brighter and whiter. In addition, talc improves the ability of newsprint to absorb ink.
- The properties of talc to adsorb moisture and oil allow it to be used as a powder base in the manufacture of many cosmetic products. It provides the necessary texture and facilitates application to the skin.
- In medicine, talc is used as a filler in tablets. It prevents them from sticking. Included in dietary supplements as a source of magnesium and silicon.
- Talc in the food industry is an additive. It is used as a coating for candies and chewing gums, thereby eliminating their sticking to the wrapper. It is also used for polishing grains of white rice.
How to wear stones (video)
This mineral is an indispensable and safe component in the production of many products and preparations.
Attention, only TODAY!