talc
Detailed sheet
talc
Its name comes from Arabic or Persian “Talq” which means pure, probably because of its powder. It has been known since antiquity. The light green soapstone (steatite) has been confused with jade, but it has not its hardness.
This is number 1 in the standard scale of hardness (Mohs scale) ranging from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond). It scratches with a fingernail!! But hardens by aging.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Mg3[Si4O10](OH)2
magnesium phyllosilicate
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Main color
green
Other colors
white, blue, brown, grey, colourless, yellow
Color of streak
white
Luster
greasy, pearly, resinous, silky
Hardness
1.0 to 0.0
Density
2.55 to 2.80
Cleavage
perfect
Fracture
fibrous
pearly cleavage, sectile to the nail, soft to the touch
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Transparency
opaque
Refractive index
1.540 - 1.590
Double refraction
0.050
strong biaxial (-)
visible double refraction
No
Dispersion
très faible
Pleochroism
very weak
Number of colors
2
only seen in stones of intense color
Fluorescence
none
CRYSTALS PROPERTIES
very rare, even more if transparent
crystals system
triclinic
OTHER INFORMATIONS
APPROACHING GEMS
Exploited
sites
It is found in Sweden, England (Cornwall), Greenland, Alaska, northern Canada, Zaire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Australia, India, Russia (Urals). In France, the mine of Luzenac in Ariège provided some transparent crystals.
use in jewelry
This is only a curiosity for collection.
The compact manifolds, soapstone, soaprock are used for carving decorative objects, particularly in China and Asia. Over time steatite hardens.
Daily care
and precautions
Susceptible to scratches, a fingernail scratches it when it is freshly cut.
imitations and
treatments
we can increase its hardness by heating.
Historical
healing properties
It would have a soothing role, it would soften the sharp reactions, allow access to meditation, limit aggression, bring patience, tact, tolerance.
Other
Gems
Venez visitez
notre site web
voillot-joaillier.fr
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