An investigation on electrical properties of meerschaum

Meerschaum is a mineral, hydrous silicate of magnesium, of organic origin. Composed of the fossilized shells of tiny sea creatures that fell to the ocean floor millions of years ago, meerschaum is found in red clay deposits. In this study, relative permittivity /spl epsi//sub r/ and dielectric loss factor tan /spl delta/ of the meerschaum were measured as a function of sample temperature at alternating voltage, using Schering Bridge. The results, obtained on specimens of meerschaum, are reported and compared with those of well-known solid insulator materials.