Talcum powder
Talcum powder is a powder obtained by crushing talc, a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Talc is very soft, has a clear or dusty lustre, and is translucent to opaque. Its colour ranges from white to gray or green and it has a distinctly greasy feel. Its streak is white.
Talcum powder is frequently compared with baby powder, though the two are distinctly different in composition. Baby powder is usually scented, frequently contains some percentage of cornstarch, and some varieties contain no talc at all. Pure talc is unscented.
It is used to lubricate the body when putting on latex clothing, although nowadays silicone oil is preferred for this purpose.
Pure talcum powder is marketed to billiards players who use it to minimise friction between the cue stick and their hands while they make shots.
