What's That Rock?Talc
Also called: soapstone
The softest mineral on the Mohs scale. It feels soapy or greasy and is used in powders and carvings.
Safety
Avoid breathing the dust. Some talc deposits contain asbestos-like minerals, so use caution with unknown raw material.
How to identify Talc
- Scratches easily with a fingernail
- Soapy feel
- Pearly shine on flat faces
Often confused with
- Pyrophyllite
- Serpentine
- Gypsum
- Soapstonerock that contains talc
Is Talc valuable?
Inexpensive.
What changes the price
- Common mineral: low value
- Soapstone carvings are priced by workmanship and size
- Large, clean talc blocks are used for carving and crafts
Uses
- Powders, ceramics, paper, paint
- Soapstone carvings and countertops
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026