Talcum powder

Talcum powder is a powder made by crushing talc, a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It is very soft, has a clear or dusty lustre, and is translucent to opaque. Its colour ranges from white to gray or green and it has a distinctly greasy feel. Its streak is white. It is frequently compared with baby powder, though the two are distinctly different in composition. Baby powder is usually scented, frequently contains some percentage of cornstarch, and some varieties contain no talc at all. Pure talc is unscented.

Talcum powder is used as a dressing aid when dressing in latex, and in rubber care.

Pure talcum powder is marketed to billiards players who use it to minimise friction between the cue stick and their hands while they make shots.

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