Bentonite is a type of clay that is composed mostly of montmorillonite, a type of smectite. It can either be Na-montmorillonite or Ca-montmorillonite, with Na-montmorillonite having a considerably greater swelling capacity than Ca-montmorillonite. Bentonite is formed by the alteration of volcanic ash and rocks after intense contact with water, typically in a marine environment. It is a highly absorbent, viscous plastic clay that is used as a valuable binding, sealing, absorbing, and lubricating agent in a wide variety of industries and applications.

Bentonite has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for many things, and it is still used today in various ways. It is used in industry and emergency response as a chemical absorbent and container sealant. In commercial and industrial applications, bentonite is used more generally to refer to any swelling clay composed mostly of smectite clay minerals, which includes montmorillonite. In addition, bentonite is used in small percentages as an ingredient in commercial and homemade clay bodies and ceramic glazes, as it greatly increases the plasticity of clay bodies and decreases settling in glazes.

Bentonite clay has been shown to act as a detoxifying agent due to its poly-cationic nature, which leads to absorption of negative charge. It has a high cation exchange capacity, which means that it can attract positively charged ions such as minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Bentonite clay adsorbs particles like dirt on the skin and absorbs a lot of water, making it useful for face masks and pet litter clumping. It is also used in many cosmetic products such as shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste.

In conclusion, bentonite is a type of clay that has a wide range of uses in various industries and applications. It is a highly absorbent, viscous plastic clay that is composed mostly of montmorillonite and is formed by the alteration of volcanic ash and rocks after intense contact with water. Bentonite clay has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for many things and is still used today in various ways, including as a detoxifying agent and in cosmetic products.