1. A soft mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate which comes from igneous and metamorphic rocks and is used as talcum powder.
2. A fine-grained white, greenish, or gray mineral that has a soft soapy feel and which is used in talcum and face powder, as a paper coating, and as a filler for paint and plastics.
3. Etymology: from Middle French talc and perhaps from Spanish talco and Medieval Latin talcum. "talc" (early 14th century), both from Arabic talq, from Persian talk, "talc".

Used as an ornamental and heat, acid and electrically-resistant stone (soapstone) used as counter tops, electrical switchboards, carvings, etc.; as an ingredient in paints, rubber, roofing materials, ceramics, and insecticides. Most commonly known as the primary ingredient in talcum powder.