Definition of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a fine-grained clay that contains primarily montmorillonite minerals. Bentonite is formed by the weathering of volcanic ash, usually in a marine environment. Many industries use bentonite clay in production, and individuals swear by the clay's internal and external healing properties. Bentonite clay comes in a broad range of colors, including light olive green, brick red, gray, cream, brown and yellow. Bentonite clay feels greasy, slippery or like plastic when wet, but its absorbent properties make it great to use as a paste. Read on to learn more about bentonite clay.

Name

Bentonite clay is the name given to a particular type of clay that was first noted near Fort Benton, Wyoming. This clay was originally called "taylorite" after William Taylor, the man who initially drew attention to the clay deposits back in 1888. Dr. Sam Knight, a state geologist for Wyoming, renamed the clay "bentonite" in 1898 after he discovered the term "taylorite" was being used in England as the name of another mineral. He chose the name "bentonite" because of the location where the clay is found.

Types

There are two basic kinds of bentonite, and their names depend on the primary elements found in the clays. Sodium bentonite swells when it gets wet, allowing it to absorb a very high volume of liquid. This property makes sodium bentonite an excellent sealant and waterproofing agent. Calcium bentonite, commercially called pascalite, naturally absorbs any oils, fats and oils found in a solution. This type of bentonite clay is the primary active ingredient of Fuller's Earth, which was one of the first industrial cleaners.

Location

The U. S. produces and exports the largest share of high-grade sodium bentonite. Most of the clay is found between the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Over 70 percent of the sodium bentonite comes from Wyoming. Sodium bentonite clay is also found in Greece, China, Germany and Turkey. Sodium and calcium bentonite have been found in Russia, the Ukraine, Australia and India.

History

The Native Americans were the first documented users of bentonite clay. They utilized the natural cleaning and bleaching agents found in the substance. They also used bentonite clay to heal wounds and illnesses as well as to purify food and water. Bentonite was commonly used in spiritual ceremonies, and berries were often added to the clay for colorful face paint. As the pioneers moved west, they used the clay to treat inflamed horse hooves, grease wagon axles and waterproof roofs on buildings.

Industrial Uses

Bentonite clay is a common additive to ceramic pottery, cement and adhesives. This clay is also used as a base in cosmetics, a bleach for foods, a deodorizer in kitty litter and a lubricant in drilling. Bentonite is also utilized in making model rocket nozzles. Winemakers use bentonite clay to remove large amounts of protein from white wine so it looks clear. Nuclear scientists in Russia coat their bodies and hands with bentonite clay to protect themselves from radiation. Bentonite clay was even used to help clean Chernobyl after the nuclear reactor accident in the Ukraine.

External Uses

Bentonite clay is used in many commercial personal care products, including baby powder, eczema lotion, face creams, mud packs and sunburn lotions. Many individuals swear that soaking in a bath with bentonite clay added to the water will help remove toxins from the body. Acne sufferers might clear things up by applying a clay mask on the affected areas. Those with chronic headaches might find relief by placing a bentonite clay pack on the back of their necks for 20 minutes. Bentonite clay should never be allowed to dry on an open wound.

Internal Uses

French sailors of yesteryear used bentonite clay in their drinking water to help prevent dysentery. Bentonite is also known to help heal a variety of other gastrointestinal problems, including intestinal parasites, bacterial food poisoning and diarrhea. Some people drink clay in water or a little apple juice to help detoxify their liver and stimulate their immune systems. In theory, this clay will also fight any free radicals in the body, increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and increase T-cell counts. Only a small amount of bentonite clay needs to be consumed for it to have health benefits.