Saponite

Saponite is a monoclinic mineral of the montmorillonite group. Its chemical formula is (½Ca,Na)_0.33(Mg,Fe⁺²)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·4H₂O.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Better weighing performance in 6 easy steps

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

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.

References

• Mindat.org
• Webmineral.com

This article contains material from the U.S. Bureau of Mines Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms.