Tackle
See RIGGING.
Talc occurs in primitive rocks, as granite and serpentine. It somewhat resembles mica, but the latter is both flexible and elastic, while talc is elastic but not flexible. Its composition is silex 61, magnesia 30.5, potash 2.75, oxide of iron 2.5, water 0.5. It is used for crucibles, the manufacture of crayons, porcelain, etc. It is a soft white, transparent or translucent mineral, and is commonly termed steatite when massive. See SOAPSTONE. Tamping is the process of filling the hole above the charge when blasting rock, so that the force may be expended laterally, and thus rend the rock asunder.