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 ε_r and dielectric loss factor tan δ of the meerschaum were measured as a function of sample temperature at sites hating voltage, using Schering Bridge. The results, obtained on specimens of meerschaum, are reported and compared with those of well-known solid insulator materials.