calcium bentonite

Calcium bentonite is a type of clay formed from volcanic ash that has been altered by water. It is primarily composed of smectite group clay minerals, which are hydrous aluminum silicates containing calcium. Unlike sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite does not swell significantly when it absorbs water. Instead, it breaks down into a finely granular aggregate and is widely used as an absorbent clay, sometimes referred to as fuller's earth.1

This absorbent property makes it useful for clarifying water, juices, and liquors, as well as for removing color from oils. It is also used in drilling muds, as a component in cements and ceramics, and in various industrial applications such as insecticides, soaps, and paints. Calcium bentonite is a key constituent of fuller's earth and montmorillonite.12