Talc and graphite are two of the lowest minerals on the hardness scale. They are also described by terms like greasy or soapy. Both have a crystal structure characterized by sheet-structures at the atomic level, yet they don't behave like micas. What accounts for their unusual physical properties

The reason for their unusual properties of the greasy feel and low hardness is that the chemical bonds between the sheets is so weak that very low stresses can allow slip between the sheets.

Explanation:

Talc is a monoclinic mineral with a sheet structure similar to the micas and also has perfect cleavage that follows planes between the weakly bonded sheets.

Now, these sheets are held together only by van der Waals bonds and this allows them to slip past each other easily. Thus, this unique characteristic is responsible for talc's extreme softness, its greasy, soapy feel, and its value as a high-temperature lubricant.

While for graphite, it's carbon atoms are linked in a hexagonal network which forms sheets that are one atom thick. It's sheets are poorly connected and easily cleave or slide over one another when subjected to a small amount of force. Thus, gives graphite its very low hardness, its perfect cleavage, and its slippery feel.

So, we can conclude that the reason for their unusual properties is that the chemical bonds between the sheets is so weak that very low stresses can allow slip between the sheets; hence, the greasy feel and low hardness.

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