Talc Schist

“The softest metamorphic rock”

Metamorphic

Talc schist is a foliated metamorphic rock dominated by the mineral talc, making it one of the softest rocks you can find. It forms from the metamorphism of magnesium-rich rocks like dolomite or ultramafic igneous rocks and has a distinctly greasy, soapy feel.

Composition

talc, chlorite, magnetite, tremolite, carbonate minerals

Where Found

Vermont (USA), Zillertal Alps (Austria), Transvaal (South Africa), Rajasthan (India), Western Australia

Mohs Hardness

1-2

Fun Fact

Ancient Egyptians carved scarab beetles and amulets from talc schist (steatite) because it was soft enough to carve with copper tools, then hardened slightly when heated in a kiln.