Bentonite is naturally occurring hydrated Aluminum Silicate primarily composed of montmorillonite, a fine-grained mineral belonging to the smectite group. It forms from weathering of volcanic ash, most often in the presence of water. The key characteristic of bentonite is its ability to absorb water and expand. When hydrated, bentonite particles swell and form a gel-like substance with an enormous surface area. This property is known as “swelling” or “thixotropy,” and it is what gives bentonite its remarkable properties.

Bentonite’s unique properties, particularly its swelling capacity and high plasticity, make it valuable in various industrial and environmental applications, ranging from drilling fluids in oil and gas exploration to soil improvement and as a binder in foundry applications.