Talc is mainly composed of talc containing water magnesium silicate, molecular formula for Mg3 [Si4O10] (OH) 2. Talc is monoclinic crystal system. Crystals are pseudo-hexagonal or rhombic flakes, occasionally. Usually into a dense block, bladed, radial, fibrous aggregates. Colorless and transparent or white, but light green, light yellow, light brown or even light red due to a few impurities; pearly luster on the cleavage surface. Hardness 1, specific gravity 2.7 ~ 2.8.

Talcum powder itself is not harmful to the human body, traditional Chinese medicine, said the flavor attributed to sweet, light, cold. Attributed to the bladder, lung, stomach meridian.

Functions: diuretic and drenching, clearing heat, eliminating dampness and astringent sores. Used for heat drenching, stone drenching, urinary heat and astringent pain, summer dampness and thirst, damp-heat water diarrhea; external treatment of eczema, wet sores, prickly heat.