<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>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                          10,987
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  105,328
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     69,571
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               196,246
<PP&E>                                         780,758
<DEPRECIATION>                                 292,258
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 696,882
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          142,857
<BONDS>                                         54,900
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,520
<OTHER-SE>                                     475,983
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   696,882
<SALES>                                        268,575
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               268,575
<CGS>                                          192,434
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  192,434
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 9,779
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 28,161
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,927
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,354
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    19,354
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.86
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0