Talc Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
An overview on Talc Jewelry and Gemstones. Covers details and essential information on the physical properties and characteristics of Talc gemstones.
An overview on Talc Jewelry and Gemstones. Covers details and essential information on the physical properties and characteristics of Talc gemstones.
Start an IGS Membership today
for full access to our price guide (updated monthly).Talc Value
TALC(=SOAPSTONE =STEATITE)
Optics: Monoclinic: a=1.539—1.550; β=1.589—1.594; γ= 1.589—l.600.
Triclinic: a= 1.545; β=1.584; γ= 1.584.
Biaxial {—), 2V=30° in monoclinic.
Shadow edge at 1.54.
Occurrence: In hydrothermally altered ultrabasic rocks and thermally altered siliceous dolomites. Worldwide occurrence, sometimes in large beds, often associated with serpentines.
Many localities in the United States, especially Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, California.
Lake Nyasa, Central Africa; India: China." Australia; Zimbabwe; Canada: USSR.
Egypt: ancient deposit.
Comments: Steatite may be slightly harder than talc, due to impurities. Talc itself is often pseudomorphous after other minerals. Massive talc is easy to carve and is widely used for this purpose.
Talc has a greasy feel.
Name: Talc is from the Arabic word talk or talq, the name of the mineral. Steatite is from the Latin steatis, a type of stone, derived from the Greek word steatos, meaning fat.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com
Related Articles
Black Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Chameleon Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Gray Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Green Diamond Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Latest Articles
Quartz Toxicity: Understanding the Risks for Jewelers and Wearers
Synthetic Amethyst: What is it and How is it Made?
Hambergite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Pearl Simulants: How to Spot Faux Pearls
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!