saponite
/ˈsæpənaɪt/
noun
- A soft, soapy-looking clay mineral, often gray, white, or pale green, used in ceramics and as a lubricant.
- Geologists found a deposit of saponite in the riverbed, which felt slippery to the touch.
- The artist used saponite to create a smooth, glossy finish on the pottery.
- Some industrial lubricants contain powdered saponite for its natural slipperiness.