Composition of Bentonite
Bentonite is a type of impure clay formed by the weathering of basaltic ash. There are different types of bentonite, but it consists mostly of montmorillonite. The unique properties of bentonite are ideal for a variety of applications. Bentonite can absorb 7 to 10 times its own weight in water, making it extremely useful as an absorbent.
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Montmorillonite
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Montmorillonite is the main constituent of all types of bentonite, making up roughly 90 percent of most types. It is named after Montmorillon, a small commune in Western France. Montmorillonite consists of phyllosilicate minerals that combine to form a soft clay. Montmorillonite is a member of the smectite family, and its water composition is highly variable. It is a 1 to 2 on the hardness scale and comes in white, yellow and buff varieties.
Silica
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Silica, or quartz, is the second most prominent component. It makes up less than 5 percent of bentonite. Silica is also the second most common mineral found in the earth's crust. It is a 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Silica is a semi-precious material used for jewelry and ornamentation and ranges from clear to black in color.
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Calcium Carbonate
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Calcium carbonate is found in calcium bentonite and can compose up to 20 percent of the clay. Calcium carbonate is found in rocks all over the world and is a common substance in the shells of organisms. Calcium carbonate is used as a medicinal supplement and is the primary constituent of limestone. The calcium carbonate makes calcium bentonite a useful absorber of ions, as well as of fats and oils.
Sodium
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The presence of sodium makes sodium bentonite an ideal absorber of liquids. Sodium is extremely common in rock forms, and its presence in bentonite allows it to expand up to 15 times larger than its dry size. In high concentrations, sodium bentonite forms a gel-like substance, making it ideal for applications such as cat litter and cement.
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References
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