Saponite is a clay mineral that belongs to the smectite group. It has a soft and soapy texture and is often used in the manufacture of detergents, soaps, and other cleaning products due to its strong absorbent properties. There are many synonyms for saponite, including montmorillonite, beidellite, nontronite, hectorite, and fluorohectorite. These minerals have similar physical and chemical characteristics and are often used interchangeably in various industries. Some other synonyms for saponite include soapstone, steatite, and talc. These minerals are also used in the manufacture of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and paper products.