Cimolite
A variety of 'Bentonite'
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About Cimolite
Name:
From original name for type locality.
A clay first described from Cimolo, Greece, mentioned by Theophrastos and Pliny.
Present locality name is Kimolos Island (Argentiera), Cyclade Islands (Cyclades; Kikladhes; Nomos Kikladhon), Kykládes Prefecture, Aegean Islands (Aiyaíon) Department, Greece. Cimolite (Bentonite) is still mined on the island.
Wikipedia notes the name has been used for a variety of clays used widely in the ancient world for medicine, in bleaching, and in the washing of clothes.
The material appears to mostly be a Fuller's earth, or bentonite, a clayey deposit rich in Smectite), probably montmorillonite, although the name may have sometimes also been applied to Kaolin. The composition is commonly given as a hydrous aluminium silicate (see cimolia). It is most commonly white or greyish-white, sometimes pink or other colours.
Present locality name is Kimolos Island (Argentiera), Cyclade Islands (Cyclades; Kikladhes; Nomos Kikladhon), Kykládes Prefecture, Aegean Islands (Aiyaíon) Department, Greece. Cimolite (Bentonite) is still mined on the island.
Wikipedia notes the name has been used for a variety of clays used widely in the ancient world for medicine, in bleaching, and in the washing of clothes.
The material appears to mostly be a Fuller's earth, or bentonite, a clayey deposit rich in Smectite), probably montmorillonite, although the name may have sometimes also been applied to Kaolin. The composition is commonly given as a hydrous aluminium silicate (see cimolia). It is most commonly white or greyish-white, sometimes pink or other colours.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
7478 (as Cimolite)
9141 (as Bentonite)
9141 (as Bentonite)
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:7478:6 (as Cimolite)
mindat:1:1:9141:7 (as Bentonite)
mindat:1:1:9141:7 (as Bentonite)
Similar Names
| Cumulate | A rock subtype |
Synonyms of Cimolite
Other Language Names for Cimolite
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Cimolite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-7478.html
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References for Cimolite
Reference List:
Localities for Cimolite
Showing 6 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Czech Republic | |
| various added photos |
| Velebil | |
Greece | |
| Heys Mineral Index |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| Bullock (1981) |
Kimolos Island, Kimolos, Milos, South Aegean, Greece