Sepiolite
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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 is used in oil drilling and also, in a solid form known as Meerschaum, for carving.
The name comes from a perceived resemblance of the material to the porous bones of the cuttlefish or sepia. On account of its low specific gravity, 1 to 2, and its porosity, it may float upon water, hence its German name Meerschaum ("Sea foam"). The mineral name comes from a perceived resemblance of the material to the porous bones of the cuttlefish or sepia.
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.
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