Steatite, Talc, French Chalk of Soapstone is the softest and one of the most important industrial minerals in the world found in rocks formed over many millions of years. Talc is neither explosive nor flammable. Although it has very little chemical reactivity, talc does have a marked affinity for certain organic chemicals, i.e. it is organophilic. It is practically insoluble in water and is chemically inert to acids and alkalies. It can withstand temperatures upto 1300ºC and its melting point is at 1500°C. It has low electrical and thermal conductivity. Above all it can be easily powdered, cut and sawn into any shape and size. It possesses lubricating properties, high luster and sheen chemical inertness, high fusion point, low conductivity to heat and electricity and hiding power as pigment extender. The color of the material varies from pure white to silvery white, gray, green and yellow.