What is Sodium Bentonite?
Sodium bentonite is a yellowish-gray, inorganic and nontoxic natural mineral chiefly found in the Black Hills region of the United States. It consists largely of montmorillonite (aluminum silicate), a highly expansive clay having the unusual characteristics of cohesion, binding, sealing, and thickening. Sodium bentonite originated from volcanic ash, combining with saltwater millions of years ago. The crystal lattice structures of sodium bentonite are much thinner and more easily separated by hydration than those of other clays. When wetted and separated, the surface area of bentonite increases many times. This increased surface area, along with irregular dispersion of the clay platelets, resist water penetration, thus forming a very low permeable barrier.
