Sepiolite is a fibrous clay mineral that is composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It is also known as meerschaum, which means "sea foam" in German. It is a soft, lightweight, and porous mineral that is typically white, brownish or light gray in color.

Sepiolite has a unique fibrous structure that makes it useful in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. It is a natural adsorbent and has a high surface area and cation exchange capacity which makes it useful in adsorbing and removing heavy metals, dyes and other pollutants from water.

In the construction industry, sepiolite is used as a lightweight aggregate in concrete and as a filler in plaster and paint. It is also used in the production of fireproofing and insulation materials.

In the ceramics industry, sepiolite is used as a raw material in the production of ceramic tiles and refractories.

In the agriculture industry, sepiolite is used as a soil conditioner and a fertilizer. It helps to improve the soil structure and to retain moisture.

Sepiolite is also used in some medical applications such as in the production of dental impression material and as a component in some cosmetics.

It is considered safe for most of the applications and it is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.