Search by Subject
Search by Institution
Talc

 

 

 

 

 

Description
Talc has a soft and grease-like slipper texture so it is also known as "soapstone". It is fire-resistant and does not conduct heat or electricity so has many industrial applications. Soapstone is usually white but may appear as light yellow, tan or green due to the presence of impurities. It measures only 1 on the Mohs' scale of mineral hardness and has a specific gravity of 2.58 ~ 2.83. In Taiwan, soapstone is found in the metamorphic rock between Su-ao in Yilan and Rueisuei in Hualien. Companion minerals include actinolite, chlorite, serpentine, mica and dolomite. 

Mineral Formation
Soapstone is a secondary mineral formed through hydrothermal alteration or replacement in silicates with higher magnesium content. Common companion minerals include actinolite, chlorite, serpentine, mica and dolomite
 
Geographic Distribution
Can be found between Su-ao in Yilan and Rueisuei in Hualien usually in the presence of serpentine and greenstone. The most important talc deposits occur in Hualien County at Fongtian in Shoufong Township, Cinggang (Chi-en) in Shoulin Township and Silin as well as Fenniaolin (粉島林) southeast of Dong-ao in Yilan. 
 
Mining History
Talc production in Taiwan commenced during World War II at Fongtian in Hualien County's Shoufong Township as a byproduct of asbestos mining. Large-scale mining continued and production gradually increased. In 1954 rights to the Fongtian Mine were transferred to the China Quarry Company and production of talc, asbestos and serpentine continued until 1956 when the market for the mine's output collapsed. Due to the poor-grade of talc produced in Taiwan, all production ceased after 2005 and most talc is now imported from China. 
 
Production
Talc production in 1949 totaled 76 tonnes and reached 41,315 tonnes in 1967. In 2004 talc production was 410 tonnes and there is no record of further talc production after this date.
 
Applications
Can be used as a material in the lubrication, cosmetics, rubber, paper, textile and ceramics industries.

National Museum of Natural Science