MONTMORILLINITE

Montmorillinite is a very soft phyllosilicate mineral that typically forms in microscopic crystals, forming a clay. It is named after Montmorillon in France. Montmorillonite, a member of the smectite family, is a 2:1 clay, meaning that it has 2 tetrahedral sheets sandwiching a central octahedral sheet. The particles are plate-shaped with an average diameter of approximately 1 micrometre. The particle thickness is extremely small (1nm).

It is the main constituent of the volcanic ash-weathering product. Bentonite. Montmorillonite’s water content is variable and it increases greatly in volume when it absorbs water. Chemically it is hydrated sodium calcium aluminium magnesium silicate hydroxide (Na,Ca)x (AL, Mg)2 (Si4O10)(OH)2 nH2O. Potassium, iron, and other cations are common substitutes; the exact ration of cations varies with source.

OTHER MONTMORILLINITE NAMES

Amagorsite, Daunialite, Fuller’s Earth, Giliabit, Goumbrine, Gumbrine, Montmorillonit, Montmorillonita, Stolpenit, Stolpenita, Stolpenite, Walkerite (of Dana), Walkthon.

USES

Montmorillinite has been used in cosmetics and has reputed therapeutic effects. Indeed over 200 cultures have used the clay for medicinal purposes including the Ancient Egyptians, the Essenes and the pre-Aztec Amargosians, and other natives of Mexico, South American and North America.

Montmorillinite is also used in animal feeds as an anti-caking agent. Current research indicates that montmorillinite or bentonite has the ability to bind mycotoxins in the digestive system of animals as well as several bacteria in-vitro.

Montmorillinite has become known as a super additive for all livestock and pets. Montmorillinite has been found to produce weight gains, healthier bone structure, thicker wools and much more.

In addition to the role it plays as a potent detoxifier, “Calcium Montmorillinite Clay”, “Pink Clay” or “Healing Clay” has also been used extensively in the treatment of pain, open wounds, colitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, acne, anemia, and a variety of other health issues.

* Calcium montmorillinite, or the pink montmorillinite, is also known as “living clay” for it principally consists of mineral that enhances the production of enzymes in all living organisms. California Earth Minerals calcium montmorillinite is called Terramin.

It is preferred choice to use for soil, plants, animals and humans, especially when ingested, hence “edible clays”. Benefits of calcium montmorillinite minerals have been documented in research conducted by many scientists and leading universities.

Dr. B.H. Ershoff, from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, conducted research for NASA, which demonstrated the growth promoting properties of calcium montmorillinite minerals in cattle. Dr. Quisenberry, from Texas A/M, researched the beneficial effects of calcium montmorillinite clays when fed to many farm animals including horses, pigs, chickens, ect. Neva Jensen a nationally known nutrition expert wrote a book on Terramin called “The Healing Power of Living Clay”, explaining how the nutrients in certain clays are assimilated in our bodies. The US Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted similar studies on trout fish on the Snake River in Hagerman, Idaho revealing the same health promoting effects. All of these studies were specific to Terramin.

The benefits of montmorillinite are due to the mineral content or trace elements, which are vital to the cellular functions of all forms of living creatures. Perfect health can only be obtained by a diet that supplies a proper balance of essential nutrients. Trace mineral elements are necessary for vitamins and enzymes to function. Without enzymes the body cannot activate certain chemical processes like digestion or the synthesis of proteins within cells.

HISTORY

Montmorillonite belongs to the smectite group of clays. There are two types of montmorillinite, sodium and calcium. Sodium montmorillinite is commonly known as bentonite; the name is derived from the location of the first commercial deposit mined at Fort Benton, Wyoming USA. Bentonite principally consists of sodium montmorillinite in combination with 10 to 20% of various mineral impurities such as feldspars, calcite, silica, and gypsum, ect. Sodium montmorillinite clays are the industrial clays used in things like: plaster, oil well drilling mud, cat litter, matches, cement tiles, lubricating grease, paints, copy paper, dynamite, shoe polish, concrete, cleaning agents, wall boards, crayons, and bleaching agents to mention a few.

REFERENCES

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