What Clay Is Natural?
What is Clay?
Clay is a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained minerals. It has a particle size of less than 4 micrometers (Clay | what is CLAY definition – YouTube). The composition of clay includes hydrated aluminosilicates, quartz, metal oxides, and organic matter. It is plastic when wet and hard when fired at high temperatures. Some key properties of clay include plasticity, shrinkage, porosity, and cohesiveness.
The most common clays include kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, illite, and chlorite. They are hydrous aluminum phyllosilicates, sometimes with variable amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths, and other cations. Clays form flat hexagonal sheets or tetrahedral sheets. The way these sheets are stacked determines the type of clay mineral.
Clay exhibits high specific surface area and cation exchange capacity. These properties allow it to adsorb cations that are available in the environment. The ions within the clay minerals and the pores between the sheets strongly influence the physical properties of clay.
Types of Natural Clay
There are many types of natural clays that have unique properties and benefits:
Kaolin, also known as China clay, is very absorbent and contains minerals like silica that give it a mild exfoliating effect (https://us.vedaoils.com/collections/natural-clay-powders). It is great for dry or sensitive skin.
Bentonite clay has high concentrations of minerals and is especially good at absorbing oils. This makes it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin (https://www.ecco-verde.com/info/beauty-blog/clay-1).
Illite clay contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. It is nutrient-rich yet gentle on skin.
Attapulgite clay, also called palygorskite, has a unique fibrous structure. It is very absorbent and effective at drawing out impurities.
Montmorillonite clay is composed of layered mineral sheets. It swells and absorbs materials very effectively, making it great for detoxifying skin.
Where Natural Clay Comes From
Natural clay is formed from the chemical weathering of rocks over long periods of time. As rocks break down, some of the minerals they contain combine with organic matter and water to form clay particles. This chemical decomposition happens as rainwater and carbon dioxide gradually alter the composition of rocks like granite and feldspar.
Clay deposits are often found in lake, marine, and stream sediments. Over time, clay particles accumulate in low-lying areas where moving water slows down and deposits its suspended sediment load. The finest clay particles settle out of suspension last. As a result, clay deposits are concentrated downstream or in protected areas like lakes, swamps, and coastal regions. Significant clay deposits from stream sediments can be found in places like the Gulf Coastal Plain in the Southern United States.
According to Wikipedia, “Although many naturally occurring deposits include both silts and clay, clays are distinguished from other fine-grained soils by differences in size and mineralogy….Water and organic matter form the other essential components of clay.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay
Uses of Natural Clay
Clay has been used for a wide variety of purposes throughout history. Here are some of the most common uses of natural clay:
Pottery
One of the oldest uses of clay is for making pottery items such as bowls, pots, and decorative pieces. The natural plasticity of clay allows it to be shaped into various forms when wet. When fired at high temperatures, the clay becomes permanently hardened into ceramic (The Amazing Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Natural Clay).
Bricks
Clay bricks have been used extensively in construction due to the durability and heat resistance of fired clay. Modern bricks are often made by pressing moist clay into molds then firing them (Shop 100% Pure & Natural Dry Clay Powders).
Cosmetics
Various clays are used in skincare products such as facial masks and scrubs. The absorbent properties of clay help remove dirt and oil from skin. Different colored clays provide additional benefits and minerals (Courses – We Eat Clay (and wear it, too!)).
Medicine
Medicinal clays have been used both internally and externally to treat various conditions. Clay can help soothe skin irritations when applied topically. When ingested, it may aid digestion and removing toxins.
Absorbents
Clay is added to absorbent products like cat litter to soak up moisture. It is also used for cleaning up spills by absorbing liquids. The absorptive properties come from the porous structure of clay.
Benefits of Natural Clay
Natural clay provides numerous benefits for skin and health when used properly. Some of the main benefits include:
Absorbent – Clay’s mineral properties give it a strong absorbent quality. When applied topically, natural clay can draw out excess oils, toxins, and impurities from the skin, helping cleanse and purify (1). This absorbent action makes clay masks effective for oily, acne-prone skin.
Soothing – The minerals in natural clays have a soothing effect on skin. Clays like bentonite contain magnesium, calcium, and silica which help calm irritation, reduce redness, and ease sensitive skin (2). Using a clay mask can have a calming, therapeutic effect.
Cleansing – In addition to absorbing impurities, the minerals in clay give it a mild exfoliating effect. This gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, clears pores, and leaves skin clean. Kaolin clay, for example, is ideal for cleansing delicate skin.
Non-toxic – Unlike many skincare ingredients, natural clays are non-toxic and generally well-tolerated. As long as a clay is pure and uncontaminated, it is safe to use on skin and hair. Always source clays from reputable suppliers.
With regular use, high-quality natural clays can improve skin’s clarity, texture, elasticity and overall appearance.
(1) https://mundaybodycare.com/blogs/a-case-of-the-mundays/natural-clay-benefits
(2) https://us.yonka.com/blogs/blog/natural-clay-mask-benefits
Popular Types of Natural Clay
Some of the most popular and commonly used types of natural clay include:
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a very absorbent clay that forms from volcanic ash. It can absorb toxins and impurities from the skin while also providing minerals. Bentonite clay has a fine texture and is used for facial masks, bath powders, cat litter, and industrial purposes (Types of Clay for Pottery – The Main Clay Types).
French Green Clay
French green clay comes from quarries in France and has been used for centuries for skin care. It has a beautiful green color due to its mineral content. French green clay is very absorbent and can help draw out impurities from the skin. It’s commonly used in skincare products like facial masks (What Are The Four Types Of Clay?).
Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay comes from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It has a high mineral content including silica, magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium. Rhassoul clay has strong absorbent properties and is commonly used in hair and skin care products. It can help cleanse and detoxify skin and hair (What Are The 4 Types Of Clay?).
Sourcing Natural Clay
Natural clay is primarily sourced from clay deposits and quarries around the world. The highest quality natural clays are mined carefully to ensure environmental standards are met.
Responsible mining practices are crucial when extracting natural clay. Reputable suppliers follow regulations to limit environmental impacts and habitat disruption. Once mined, natural clay goes through processing and treatment to remove impurities before being distributed.
Look for natural clay brands that state their mining locations and explain their environmental policies. Sourcing clay from quarries with sustainability initiatives helps conserve these finite natural resources while maintaining ecosystem health.
As demand for natural clays increases globally, suppliers must balance commercial needs with ecological ones. Following green mining protocols allows the safe, long-term extraction of these unique geological materials.
Using Natural Clay Safely
When using natural clay sourced from the ground, it is important to take safety precautions. One potential risk is lead contamination. Clays found in nature can contain trace amounts of lead, especially if they are sourced near old houses, industrial areas, or roadways where leaded gasoline was used. When firing natural clay, lead particles can vaporize and be inhaled. This is especially risky for potters and ceramic artists.
To limit exposure to lead, wear a proper respirator when firing clay and work in well-ventilated areas. Also, before using any unknown natural clay, consider getting it lab tested for lead and other heavy metal contaminants. Never ingest unfired natural clay. While some marketed clays are promoted for internal use, such as for health detoxes, it is not recommended to eat clay straight from the ground unless you can verify its purity.
Overall, with proper handling and firing methods, natural clays can be used relatively safely. Take precautions, use common sense, and consult professional guidelines to ensure your health and safety when sourcing and utilizing clays found in nature.
Natural vs. Synthetic Clay
Natural clay is clay that is harvested directly from the earth and has not been altered chemically. It contains no synthetic ingredients and maintains the natural properties and minerals inherent in clay. In contrast, synthetic clay is chemically engineered and altered to achieve certain characteristics. Synthetic clays may contain additives, binders, or other artificial components not found in natural clays.
Natural clay tends to be more gentle and nourishing for the skin compared to synthetic clays. Since it comes straight from the earth, natural clay retains its purity and nutrients like silica, magnesium, and calcium that provide benefits to skin and hair. Synthetic clays are designed for functionality rather than skin health. They may dry more quickly or have improved workability at the cost of being more harsh.
For crafts, cosmetics, or therapeutic uses, natural clay is often viewed as the superior choice over synthetic alternatives. However natural clay can be messier to work with and more inconsistent between batches. Synthetic clays offer more control and standardization (Source).
Future of Natural Clay
The demand for natural clay is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. According to a report, the global industrial clay market size is predicted to grow from $5.12 billion in 2022 to around $7 billion by 2030. There are several factors driving this growth.
Firstly, natural clay has a wide variety of applications across industries like construction, paper, paints and coatings, etc. With rising infrastructure and housing projects, as well as growth in paper and packaging industries, the demand for clay is poised to surge. Additionally, increased consumer preference for natural and organic products will also boost clay consumption.
However, meeting this rising demand in a sustainable manner will be a key challenge. Excessive clay mining can lead to environmental degradation. Hence, there will be a greater need to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices. The use of technology and innovations that increase clay yields while reducing the mining footprint will become vital for the future growth of the natural clay industry.
