<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted 
from the condensed consolidated financial statements of Minerals 
Technologies Inc., and is qualified in its entirety by reference 
to such condensed consolidated financial statements.
</LEGEND>

<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                          12,860
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   98,734
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     65,163
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               188,440
<PP&E>                                         760,705
<DEPRECIATION>                                 284,348
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 677,306
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          119,067
<BONDS>                                         67,900
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,517
<OTHER-SE>                                     464,922
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   677,306
<SALES>                                        128,109
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               128,109
<CGS>                                           93,077
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   93,077
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 4,831
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,313
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,547
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,547
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.38
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0