Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Talc from Two Mexican Ore Deposits (Oaxaca and Puebla) and Nine Talcs Marketed in Mexico: Evaluation of Its Cosmetic Uses

The detailed mineralogical, physical and chemical characterization of nine samples of imported cosmetic talc and of two samples of talc from currently non-productive Mexican ore deposits (Oaxaca and Puebla States) is presented. The imported cosmetic talc was classified into two groups, considering whether they are packed in the country of origin or in Mexico and considering their price. X-ray diffraction, infrared short wave, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used for mineralogical characterization. For the physical characterization, colorimetry and laser granulometry were used. The chemical composition (major, trace elements) was studied by ICP-MS. It was concluded that only the highest priced and imported in packaged form talcs meet the specific purity requirements for a talc of cosmetic type. The talcs that are packed in Mexico and the talc of the studied Mexican deposits present mineralogical and chemical impurities that make their use difficult in the manufacture of high-quality cosmetic talc. The low-price talc should not be sold as cosmetic talc, and the regulations in Mexico on this subject should be reviewed and updated.