sepiolite is a Non-Metallic Mineral Deposits product. Key specs — Origin: China (Mainland).
Product Description
It was first described in 1847 for an occurrence in , 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"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.
