Saponite
A variety of Minerals
What is Saponite?
Saponite is a trioctahedral mineral of the smectite group. Its chemical formula is Ca0.25(Mg,Fe)3((Si,Al)4O10)(OH)2·n(H2O). It is soluble in sulfuric acid. It was first described in 1840 by Svanberg. Varieties of saponite are griffithite, bowlingite and sobotkite. It is soft, massive, and plastic, and exists in veins and cavities in serpentinite and basalt. The name is derived from the Greek sapo, soap. Other names include bowlingite; mountain soap; piotine; soapstone.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, gray-green, bluish, yellow
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 1.5 - 2
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca0.25(Mg,Fe)3((Si,Al)4O10)(OH)2 · nH2O
- Elements
- Al, Ca, Fe, H, Mg, O, Si
Also Known As
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