Talc is the softest known mineral and chemically inert, and this makes it perfect for a wide variety of uses. It’s a major component of ceramics, and even the Vikings used talc-rich soapstone to create cooking-pots. They took these pots with them on their travels and sold them both abroad and at home. Soapstone's softness also made it possible for Native American Indians to carve it into smoking pipes.
Today, we encounter talc constantly in our daily lives. As the weather gets warmer, we’ll see more construction projects around our towns. If you notice new roofs being installed, you’ll know talc is being used for weather resistance where you live. You may even want to do some projects in your own home, in which case you’ll likely use talc in floor and wall tiles or to put on a fresh coat of paint.