Name: Saponite
CAS No: Saponite [1319-41-1]
None adopted.
Afrodit; aluminum-saponite; auxite; cathkinite; ferroan saponite; griffithite; licianite; lucianite; piotine; zebedassite
Saponite [1319-41-1]
(Ca0.5Na)0.3(Mg,Fe2þ)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)24H2O 480 Saponite is a mineral with an approximate empirical formula owing to the variability in cation substitution;
Saponite is composed of two tetrahedral layers formed by phylosilicate sheets and one octahedral layer. Common impurities include manganese, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, and titanium
Saponite is a colloidal material present in various naturally occurring clays such as magnesium aluminum silicates(2) and is therefore suitable for use in pharmaceutical formulation applications as an adsorbent, viscosity-increasing agent, suspending agent, or as an oil-in-water emulsifying agent. Saponite, as a component of magnesium aluminium silicates, is useful as a formulation component in semisolid cosmetic and health care products.(3
Saponite is a naturally occurring 2:1 phyllosilicate clay of the smectite (montmorillonite) group. It is a magnesium-rich hydrated aluminum silicate and is present as a component of some commercial magnesium aluminum silicate clays. It occurs in soft, amorphous masses in the cavities of certain rocks. Saponite occurs as a white to off-white, dull powder composed of fine-grained crystals of colloidal size. The material is greasy or soapy to the touch and swells on the addition of water.
Density (true) 2.67 g/cm3 Crystal data Monoclinic: a = 5.3, b = 9.14, c = 16.9, b 978. Hardness (Mohs) 1–2 Moisture content 13.7% water loss up to 1508C; 6.9% water loss above 1508C.
Saponite is a stable material and should be stored in a cool, dry place.
May generate heat in contact with hydrofluoric acid
Naturally occurring saponite is mined from deposits in various localities around the world.
Saponite is a natural clay mineral that is not acutely toxic; therefore, no toxicity values have been established. However, it may contain small amounts of crystalline silica in the form of quartz. Chronic exposure to crystalline silica can have adverse effects on the respiratory system. EU labeling states the material is not classified as dangerous. Saponite dust can be irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes. Contact with this material may cause drying of the skin.
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material being handled. Avoid generating and breathing dust, and use eye protection. For dusty conditions, eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask are recommended. The occupational exposure limits for saponite are 5 mg/m3 (respirable) PEL-TWA, 3 mg/m3 (respirable) TLV-TWA, and 10 mg/m3 (inhalable) dust TLVTWA
Reported in the EPA TSCA Inventory.
Attapulgite; bentonite; kaolin; hectorite; magnesium aluminum silicate; talc.
Saponite is a swelling clay with a low cation exchange capacity, and when mixed with water it displays thixotropic properties. Saponite is similar to bentonite, and has the capacity to adsorb drugs through cationic exchange.(4) Drug–saponite adsorbates show a slight reduction in dissolution rate(5) and the mechanistics of adsorption of drug molecules to saponite have been examined.(6) Saponite is useful in the formulation of gastrointestinal X-ray contrast agents(7) and formulations designed for sustained drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.(8) The EINECS number for saponite is 215-289-0.