Sepiolite is a mineral compound also known as meerschaum or sea foam. There are several synonyms for the word sepiolite, including attapulgite, gieskingite, halloysite, and stevensite. Attapulgite is a type of clay mineral that is often used in the manufacture of absorbent materials, particularly in the petrochemical industry. Gieskingite is a hydrated magnesium silicate mineral that is also used as a raw material in the production of ceramics and glass. Halloysite is a soft, white clay mineral that is often used as a filler in the manufacture of paper and rubber products. Stevensite is a type of clay mineral that is used in a variety of applications, such as drilling fluids and as a binding agent in the production of alloys.