Clay Chemistry & The Mystery of Healing Clays

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Clay chemistry is extraordinarily complex, and we certainly wouldn't begin to claim to be experts.

For our purposes, however, the complexity of healing clays can be simplified by seeking the origin of the silicate class of clays, in particular smectite:

1. Smectite clays initially form through volcanic activity - volcanic ash to be specific. As such, we consider all healing clays ( in particular ) to be members of the Quartz class of crystals first and foremost, even though through the evolutionary process the crystalline structure of clays can be amazingly diverse. This perspective may or may not be accurate according to contemporary clay chemistry theory, but it serves as a good general starting point to understand the unique nature of clay minerals.

2. Quartz crystal acts as a transducer. It can convert energy in the form of light into energy in the form of sound, or vibration ( and vice versa ). As volcanic ash evolves, the process of selective sorption is the fundamental determinant of both the makeup and the properties of the end clay -- that, and the nature of the environment with which it interacts.

The generalized formula for smectite:

(Ca, Na, H)(Al, Mg, Fe, Zn)2(Si, Al)4O10(OH)2 - xH2O

The variation of mineral content between products is one of the defining features of the quality of clay for healing purposes. The rule of thumb? The greater the variety of mineral content in the bonded matrix, the less sorptive power the clay may contain. This does not, however, mean that clays rich with organic/non-organic substances do not have profound uses; it means only that compartive experimentation and meticulous observations must be conducted with careful consideration to the sorptive power of the clay.

 

Let's take a look at the base equation for smectite once more:

(Ca, Na, H)(Al, Mg, Fe, Zn)2(Si, Al)4O10(OH)2 - xH2O

The term "bentonite" and "montmorillonite" are both words coined based on local deposits, and not scientific names in themselves. Bentonite was named after a large deposit of clay in Wyoming. Montmorillonite was named after a large deposit of clay in France.

One base chemical equation given for "bentonite":

Al2O34SiO2H2O

Notice that in the above chemistry equation, sodium is not included. Notice in the top equation, calcium, sodium and hydrogen hold an optional position in the final equation. These elements are positive ions and are the result of the sorptive properties of the base clay coming in contact with these substances in the natural environment; the negatively charged particles of the clay attract the ions. This in turn can reduce the sorptive power of clay.

Therefore, the terms calcium bentonite, sodium bentonite, and bentonite can and often do refer to different substances. How the chemistry of a healing clay affects the end efficacy is not known.

One formula given for a granular Wyoming bentonite:

(Al, Fe1,67'Mg0,33),Si4O10 (OH)2Na+Ca++

This particular clay is a soft grey color, but does not necessarily represent all of the Wyoming bentonites. Notice the freely associated sodium and calcium at the end of the equation.

One manufacturer calls the following equation hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate-- very interesting since the magnesium has replaced the aluminum, and therefore there is no aluminum in the end product. Perhaps it would be better called a hydrated magnesium silicate.

Mg5Si8O20(OH)2(OH2)4·4H2O

Another manufacturer refers to a sodium bentonite ( as apposed, one can safely assume, to a bentonite without the sodium ion ):

Na0.5Al2.5Si3.5O10(OH)2·(H2O)

Still another company sells a bentonite "mud"( no sodium ):

mAl2O3-nSiO2-xH2O

And here is a product referred to by a manufacturing company as Smectite / Montmorillonite:

(Na,Ca) (Al,Mg)6(Si4010)3(OH)6-nH20

As one can see, it can get quite confusing ( even though it is very interesting ) wading through the terminology. One department of geology states that there is bentonite in montmorillonite; other experts say that montmorillonite is the prime ingredient in bentonite.

For our purpose, the importance lies in finding and understanding the value of the more mineral rich clays, such as Pascalite ( a Calcium Bentonite ), and in understanding the value of healing quality smectites that contain no or few sorpted minerals ( such as the equally rare desert clays which have been protected from leaching by the climate ).

Having a clear understanding of the difference, and at least one pure clay to compare against, is extremely advantageous when gauging the properties of different clays, the chemical makeup, and their potential value in natural and alternative medicine.

Facial skin pore tests can reveal, to the experienced eye, the sorptive power of clay. However, one must first gain the experience working with a highly charged clay with significant "pulling power".

~ Illite Micrograph ~

 

Another clay with known healing power is Illite, a clay mica: Potassium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride. The chemistry of this type of healing clay reveals many similiarities to the smectites, although the two clays are truly strikingly different:

(K, H)Al2(Si, Al)4O10(OH)2 - xH2O

Although Illite is an aluminum silicate, it is a non-swelling clay. Illite has the same range of use as the smectite clays. In fact, some believe that Illite performs better than the smectite clays when used internally.

In the future, we hope to compare the healing actions of bentonite and illite, and will be expanding this section as our research uncovers more data.

Annotated References on Healing Clay Chemistry for Further Research

Comparison of clay characteristics by class of clay ( micas, smectites, tectosilicates )