Steatite; natural, crushed, powdered, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc

HS code 252620 covers the classification of steatite, a naturally occurring mineral also known as soapstone or talc. Steatite is a soft, heat-resistant stone that has a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, making it an important commodity in the global trade of industrial minerals. This code encompasses the various forms of steatite, including crushed, powdered, and blocks or slabs, which are used across diverse industries such as ceramics, refractory products, and personal care items.

Steatite is primarily extracted from natural deposits through mining operations. The raw steatite is then processed through a series of steps, including crushing, grinding, and sieving, to produce the desired particle size and consistency. Depending on the intended application, the steatite may also be subjected to further processing, such as purification, drying, or compaction, to meet specific quality and performance requirements.

The main inputs for the steatite industry include the raw steatite deposits, which are typically found in regions with geological formations conducive to the formation of this mineral. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized mining and processing equipment, such as crushers, grinders, and sieving machines, as well as energy sources and transportation infrastructure to move the processed steatite to market.

The primary outputs of the steatite industry are the various forms of the mineral, including crushed, powdered, and blocks or slabs. These steatite products are then consumed by a wide range of industries, such as the 252010 Ceramic products industry, the 681520 Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods industry, and the 330499 Cosmetic and toilet preparations, n.e.c. industry, where steatite is used in the production of ceramics, refractory materials, and personal care items, respectively.