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Sepiolite

Sepiolite is a clay mineral, a complex magnesium silicate, a typical formula for which is Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O. It can be present in fibrous, fine-particulate, and solid forms.

It was first described in 1847 for an occurrence in Bettolino, Baldissero Canavese, Torino Province, Piedmont, Italy. The name comes from a perceived resemblance of the material to the porous bones of the cuttlefish from the Greek, "sepion".

Characteristics[]

Because of its low specific gravity and its high porosity it may float upon water, hence its German name meerschaum ("sea foam").

Sepiolite occurs as a secondary mineral associated with serpentine. It can occur as a precipitate in arid environments. It may be associated with dolomite and opal.

Sepiolite is used in oil drilling and for cat litter. It is also used in a solid form for carving, where it is known as meerschaum. Owing to its fibrous mineral nature, sepiolite veins may contain the hazardous material, asbestos; even where asbestos is not present, sepiolite is often mistaken for it. Careful analytical techniques may be required to distinguish the two.