Bentonite Clay — Food Grade Bulk Mineral
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite is one of the most remarkable naturally occurring minerals on earth — a soft, porous clay formed from the weathering of volcanic ash, primarily composed of montmorillonite, a swelling clay mineral with an extraordinary capacity to absorb water and expand to many times its dry volume. Used by indigenous peoples across the Americas, Africa, and Asia for centuries as a food, a medicine, and a topical preparation, Bentonite clay has been a cornerstone of traditional earth-based wellness practices worldwide.
Our Bentonite clay is food grade, finely milled, and sourced from high-quality deposits.
Mineral Profile
- Mineral Type: Montmorillonite clay (Bentonite)
- Formation: Volcanic ash weathering
- Common Names: Bentonite Clay, Montmorillonite Clay, Healing Clay, Living Clay
- Grade: Food Grade
- Preparation: Finely milled powder
- Appearance: Fine, smooth, pale grey to cream-colored powder
- Texture: Silky, fine, slightly gritty when dry; smooth and plastic when wet
- Aroma: Earthy, mineral, neutral
About Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay takes its name from Fort Benton, Wyoming, where large deposits were first identified in the 19th century, though the mineral itself has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is formed when volcanic ash weathers and alters over geological time, producing a clay rich in silica, alumina, iron, magnesium, calcium, and numerous trace minerals. The clay’s most distinctive property is its extraordinary cation exchange capacity — its ability to attract and bind positively charged ions — which gives it its characteristic adsorptive properties. Bentonite swells significantly when hydrated, absorbing water up to several times its dry volume.
Traditional Context
Clay eating (geophagy) has been documented in human cultures across every continent and throughout recorded history. Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, the Andes, Africa, and Asia have used various clays as food supplements, digestive aids, and topical preparations for centuries. Bentonite and similar clays were used by the Amargosa people of the American Southwest, by Andean peoples who mixed clay with potatoes to neutralize solanine, and by numerous African cultures. Clay has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and appears in the writings of ancient Greek and Roman physicians.
Common Uses
- Topical Masks: Mix with water or apple cider vinegar to form a paste for face and body masks
- Bath Soaks: Add to bathwater for a mineral-rich soak
- Poultices: Apply as a drawing poultice to the skin
- Internal Use: Food grade clay may be mixed with water and consumed — consult a healthcare practitioner before internal use
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Food Grade
- ✓ Finely Milled
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Keep away from metal containers and utensils — use glass, wood, or plastic when mixing. Properly stored, Bentonite clay maintains its quality indefinitely.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a mineral ingredient for topical, educational, and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For internal use, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Do not use metal utensils when preparing clay. Keep out of reach of children. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before internal use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.