talc

Everyday

1. Talc is a very soft, white or grey mineral that feels soapy or greasy. tree →
2. Talc (talcum powder) is a fine powder made from it, used on skin to keep it dry or to stop rubbing. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons talc is the softest mineral, number 1 on the Mohs scale of hardness (diamond is 10); you can scratch it with a fingernail. In everyday life it is in baby powder and used by gymnasts and climbers for grip. Phrases: talcum powder, as soft as talc.

Examples

• Talc is so soft you can scratch it with your fingernail. tree →
• On the Mohs scale, talc is 1 and diamond is 10. tree →
• Mum put talc on the baby after the bath. tree →
• The gymnast clapped talc onto her hands. tree →
• Talcum powder smells of flowers. tree →
• We tested which rocks were harder than talc. tree →
• Talc feels smooth and soapy. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some talc». Talcum powder is often just called talc. Some people now use cornflour-based powder instead, because talc dust should not be breathed in. Do not confuse with chalk.