entonite - clay of volcanic origin

Bentonite is a clay-containing rock that was formed millions of years ago by the weathering of ash during the eruptions of prehistoric volcanoes and consists of various minerals. Its main component is the clay mineral montmorillonite, which has an enormous binding capacity due to its negative charge and surface enlargement.

Discovered at Fort Benton

Bentonite owes its name to the first site with a large accumulation of the mineral near Fort Benton in the US state of Wyoming, where the clay rock was discovered towards the end of the last century and immediately utilised industrially. As boulders of white and grey, sometimes yellowish or pinkish hue, bentonites are quite inconspicuous. The mineral only reveals its extraordinary binding properties when ground.

Bentonite: Hungry for dirt and pollutants

As a fine powder, bentonite swells in a moist environment and acts like a sponge. This enables it to trap other substances in its mineral structure. The finer the mineral is ground, the larger its microfine surface area becomes, allowing it to bind unwanted substances to itself.

Magnet for positively charged particles

The swellable clay mineral consists of several elementary layers - the so-called lamellae - between which there are exchangeable cations. As these are not particularly tightly bound, they can be replaced by other cations or positively charged organic molecules. In this way, bentonite or montmorillonite has a special ability to exchange ions and accumulate positively charged particles. Depending on the degree of grinding, the inner surface area of montmorillonite can increase to up to 800 square metres/g.

Montmorillonite: a versatile helper

Montmorillonite - the main player on the bentonite stage - binds dirt and toxins and is therefore very versatile, for example in the construction industry or agriculture.

• Water treatment:
  When added to waste water, ponds or aquariums, the negatively charged bentonite surfaces attract and bind positively charged particles, e.g. heavy metals and ammonium.
  
  
• Soil additive:
  Fertilisers mixed with bentonite help the soil to retain water better. The clay mineral also stores nutrients in the long term and releases them when required.
  
  
• Radiation protection:
  Bentonite acts as a protective barrier in tunnels containing highly radioactive waste. In animal feed, the mineral can reduce the radioactive contamination of meat and milk.
  
  
• Pet supplies:
  Bentonite also proves its worth in the production of cat litter. Thanks to its high adsorption capacity, faeces are bound into small lumps. Odours are also reduced in this way.

Conclusion

Bentonite, or rather its main component montmorillonite, acts as an irresistible bait for all unwanted substances in its environment, whether in the soil, water or air. The industrious purifier of volcanic origin works continuously and binds pollutants, heavy metals and toxins that could harm the respective environment. A giant with an enormous effect - despite its microscopically small structure that is invisible to the naked eye.

Differences between bentonite and zeolite

When talking about bentonite, zeolite is often mentioned. However, despite numerous similarities, both minerals are independent players. Bentonite has a layered structure, whereas the structure of zeolite is crystalline. In combination with water, bentonite forms a slimy film, which is not the case with clinoptilolite. Bentonite can also increase its volume by a factor of ten to twelve. Zeolite hardly inflates at all, but remains compact.

Ingredients

100 % pure bentonite

Instructions for use

Binder

Dosage

1-2 g per 10 kg medium

A suitable measuring spoon is included in the scope of delivery.

Storage

At room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children and adolescents.

Contents

250g/2500g