Soapstone is an important mineral having a wide variety of usage depending on its properties. For its use in the industry, the common desired properties are whiteness, softness, particle size, chemical and mineral composition, oil absorption, slip or lubricating power, shrinkage, low electrical and thermal conductivity and resistance to heat. The various industries in which soapstone is used are paper, insecticides, textiles, cosmetics, rubber, ceramic, paints, fertiliser, etc. Whiteness of soapstone and its slip properties determine the use to which the mineral is to be put. Whiteness of the soapstone is directly related to its purity that is MgO content.

USES

  • Paper Industry - In the paper industry, talc is used to increase the retention of fillers, control pitch globules, and brightness in surface coating and to increase opacity.

  • Paint Industry - Talc helps reinforce the paint films by preveting sagging. The settling of solids to the bottom of the paint container is also prevented. Being soft, it contributes minimum abrasion to the process and applicatior. It disperses easily in both aqueous and solvent-based paints.

  • Cosmetic Industry- Talc is used in the cosmetic industry in a number of preparations, including make-up creams, coloured make-up, dermopaediatric preparations and talcum powder. In cosmetic, only high quality cosmetic is used.

  • Textile Industry - Talc is used in the textile industry both as a 'loading' and 'bleaching' material such as cottonsacks, cordage, rope and string. White Talc with low abrasion is required for such purposes.

  • Ceramic Industry - Talc is an important ingredient of ceramic product where it needs transcluency and toughness. It is used in whiteware bodies, electrical porcelain, high frequency insulators, tiles and kiln furniture such as saggers.

  • Rubber Industry - In the rubber industry, talc is used as a filler. It also provides insulation required in the cable industry. It acts as a dusting and anti-blocking agent in moulds and prevents finished rubber goods from sticking to one another in transit and storage.

  • Plastic Industry - Talc is an important material filler for plastics. It improves chemical and heat resistance, impact strength, dimensional stability, stiffness, hardness, tensile strength, creep resistance and electrical insulation properties.