A dispersion of thickening agents in a liquid lubricant produces grease, a solid or semisolid lubricant. Typically, grease is made out of soap that has been emulsified with mineral or vegetable oil. Grease is frequently characterized by having a high initial viscosity that, when subjected to shear, decreases to produce the impression of an oil-lubricated bearing with a viscosity that is about equivalent to the base oil used in the grease.