Bentonite Clay

Bentonite is a rock that comprises claylike minerals. The most common clay minerals in bentonite are members of the smectite group (mostly montmorillonite); other components of bentonite include biotite, feldspars, illite, kaolinite, quartz, and volcanic glass. There are two types of bentonite-swelling bentonite, which is also called sodium or western bentonite, and nonswelling bentonite, which is also called calcium, or southern, bentonite. Both types formed through the alteration of volcanic ash that was deposited in a marine environment. Bentonite is mined mainly in the Western United States and Greece. Most of the bentonite mined in the United States is used in oil and gas well drilling.

Bentonite Important Uses

Absorbents
Foundry sand
Iron ore pelletizing
Oil- and gas-well-drilling mud
Waterproofing and sealing