<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the condensed consolidated financial statements of Minerals
Technologies Inc., and qualified in its entirety by reference
to such condensed consolidated financial statements
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-29-1997
<CASH>                                          19,385
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  115,140
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     64,239
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               211,296
<PP&E>                                         831,021
<DEPRECIATION>                                 333,258
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 720,827
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           80,216
<BONDS>                                        102,391
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,531
<OTHER-SE>                                     522,969
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   720,827
<SALES>                                        289,391
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               289,391
<CGS>                                          204,501
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  204,501
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                10,224
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 34,242
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,957
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             22,929
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    22,929
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0