2g2 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



and strength talc is superior to most other minerals used for the 

 purpose. The following statement is quoted from an article by 

 J. S. Diller in Mineral Resources for 191 2. " Talc in paper effects 

 a more uniform distribution of the moisture, improves the polishing, 

 rolling and cutting as well as the strength of the paper." It is 

 certain that a still wider demand for it would develop in the paper 

 trade if a method was found for removing the hard particles which 

 adhere more or less to the talc through all the stages of grinding. 

 One of the main objections to grit is the wear it involves upon 

 certain parts of the paper machinery. 



Next to the paper trades, the manufacture of rubber probably 

 consumes the largest amount of ground talc. It is an ingredient 

 of rubber goods of many kinds, in which it may be admixed in large 

 proportions. 



The minor uses of talc are legion. It is employed in water-proof 

 paints and distempers; also as an adulterant of metallic pigments 

 in which of course it functions as an inert diluent. Wall-plasters 

 are prepared with coarsely ground fibrous talc in the place of wood, 

 hair or asbestos fiber. It finds employment in the manufacture of 

 cement blocks and artificial stone, for use in electric stations and 

 their equipment, also as an ingredient of the covering of electric 

 wires. When free of iron it is a non-conductor of electricity. It 

 is likewise a good heat insulator and consequently may be employed 

 advantageously for steam pipe and boiler coverings. It is employed 

 in some kinds of glass to give a clouded non-transparent effect. 

 On account of its slippery quality talc makes a useful antifriction 

 substance that is employed in a nimiber of ways, including the 

 lubrication of machinery for which it takes the place of graphite. 

 As an ingredient of foundry facings its smoothness and heat resistance 

 are turned to advantage. Among other uses that may be named 

 are the cotton sizing and bleaching industries, the dressing of leather, 

 fire-proofing of wood and the preparation of cosmetics, and medicinal 

 articles. There are few minerals that compare with talc in its 

 manifold applications and the number of the latter would be greatly 

 increased if recognition were given to the massive variety which is 

 widely employed in an unground state. 



Mine developments. Altogether there are nearly 20 mines and 

 prospects in the Edwards district that have engaged attention 

 at one time or another. The greater nimiber of these are in the 

 northeastern section near Talcville. Here are located the mines of 

 the former United States Talc Co., the Uniform Fibrous Talc Co. 

 and some of the properties of the International Pulp Co. In the 



