A soft, greyish brown, dense marl. When dry it is of a greyish ash-coloured brown, in all degrees, from very pale to almost black, and it has generally something of a greenish cast; it is of a compact texture, smooth to the touch, and does not stain the fingers. Thrown into water it makes no ebullition or hissing, but swells gradually in bulk, and falls into a fine soft powder. Fuller's earth is of great use in scouring cloths, stuffs, etc, imbibing all the grease and oil used in preparing and manufacturing the wool; but owing to the almost general use of soap for these purposes it is not now in such request in this country as formerly. In England it is found chiefly in Hampshire, Bedfordshire, and Surrey; it consists of -

Silex

51.8

Alumine

25.3

Lime

3.3

Magnesia

0.7

Oxide of Iron

3.7

Water

15.5

100.