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 type of natural mineral that is commonly known as talc. Steatite is a soft, heat-resistant stone that has a wide range of industrial 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 in a variety of manufacturing processes across multiple industries.

The production of steatite typically involves the mining and processing of the raw mineral. The steatite deposits are first extracted from the earth using traditional mining techniques, such as quarrying or open-pit mining. The extracted material is then crushed, ground, and sieved to produce the desired particle sizes and forms, including powders, blocks, and slabs. In some cases, the steatite may be further processed, such as by trimming or cutting the blocks and slabs into specific shapes and dimensions.

The primary input for the steatite industry is the raw, unprocessed steatite mineral. This natural resource is typically found in deposits located in regions with suitable geological conditions. In addition to the raw material, the production of steatite may also require various types of mining and processing equipment, such as crushers, grinders, and cutting tools. Energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, are also necessary for the various stages of the production process.

The main outputs of the steatite industry are the various forms of the mineral, including crushed, powdered, and blocks or slabs. These steatite products are used in a wide range of applications, such as the manufacture of ceramics, refractory materials, and personal care products. Other industries that may consume steatite include 252010 Mineral or chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous, 681510 Ceramic wares for laboratory, chemical or other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs and similar receptacles of a kind used in agriculture; ceramic pots, jars and similar articles of a kind used for the conveyance or packing of goods, and 401699 Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber, among others.