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Saponite

Saponite

A species of Minerals, Also known as Licianite, Mauritzite, Soapstone

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.

Hardness
Hardness:

1.5 - 2

General Info About Saponite

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Physical Properties of Saponite

Colors
White, gray-green, bluish, yellow
Hardness
1.5 - 2 , Extremely soft
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Chemical Properties of Saponite

Formula
Ca0.25(Mg,Fe)3((Si,Al)4O10)(OH)2 · nH2O
Elements listed
Al, Ca, Fe, H, Mg, O, Si
Common Impurities
Ti,Mn,Ni,K,P

Characteristics of Saponite

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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