The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Cimolian Earth

CIMOLIAN, sĭ-mō′lĭ-ăn, EARTH, or CIMOLITE, sĭm′ō-līt or kĭm′ō-līt (from Kimolos, one of the Cyclades, in the Ægean Sea, where it is still to be found), a hydrated silicate of aluminum, apparently formed by the decomposition of augite. It is of a light color, compact and somewhat slaty. Water soon splits it up; when ground with water it forms a thick cream. In classical times it was used as a soap for cleaning delicate fabrics, and by the bath-keepers. It is mentioned by Aristophanes in this connection. It is used in the island as a detergent.