Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Talc-Tremolite Schist

Talc is a mineral that is most commonly known in the form of soft white talcum powder. However, the substance, which is usually described as exhibiting a greasy, soapy feel, may occur in a range of colors that extends from gray to red to brown, depending on the impurities present. The hydrous silicate of magnesium, which sometimes occurs as an alternation product of tremolite, may also be found in a variety of forms, including finely or coarsely granular masses, as well as the thin layers known as folia in which it most commonly occurs. Compact aggregates of talc are often known as soapstone, a material that has been a popular choice for carvings and ornamental items since antiquity.


© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Thursday, Nov 20, 2003 at 03:51 PM
Access Count Since November 20, 2003: 8379
Microscopes provided by:
Visit the Nikon website. Visit the Olympus Microscopy Resource Center website.