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saponite

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noun sap·o·nite \ˈsa-pə-ˌnīt\

Definition of saponite

: a hydrous magnesium aluminum silicate occurring in soft soapy amorphous masses and filling veins and cavities (as in serpentine)

Origin and Etymology of saponite

Swedish saponit, from Latin sapon-, sapo soap

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First Known Use: circa 1849

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