|
IS THERE
ALUMINIUM IN BENTONITE CLAY?
THE
SCIENCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
CSIRO
mineral analysis using Borate Fusion XRF Method verifies that:
Clays
supplied by Australian Healing Clay DO NOT contain any aluminium - Al
There
is some discussion with regard to Alumina and Aluminium in clay. This probably
stems from the interchange of the description of “Alumina oxide” with
“Aluminium oxide”.
Hopefully the following article will clarify a few things.
BENTONITE CLAY
is classified as an Alumino-silicate. This means its major elements are
Alumina oxide (Al2O3)
and Silica (SiO2). Hence
all Bentonite clay contains these as major elements. Bentonite would be an
entirely different substance without alumina oxide.
It is
also made up of a number of other minerals some of which have exchangeable ions.
Typically they are -
sodium ions, calcium ions,
potassium ions, magnesium ions.
In the
USA “Aluminium” is used to refer to alumina. Unfortunately this is misleading
because alumina oxide (Al2O3) is
not the dangerous
“Aluminium” (Al) which is used in manufacturing.
The
term “aluminium oxide” is actually referring to “alumina oxide”
which is perfectly safe.
Different symbols represent different substances:
Alumina
oxide: Al2O3 (safe)
Aluminium : Al (unsafe)
The
alumina oxide that goes to make up part of the clay molecule is completely
inert*. It has a very high bond with silica and is NOT BIO AVAILABLE. It CANNOT be
absorbed into the body.
*In chemistry the term
inert is used to describe something that is not chemically active.
WARNING
to the clay enthusiast:
One ought to be
highly sceptical of opinions or comments that attempt to
contradict the scientific facts. Do not be duped by deliberate misinformation
designed to created fear based decision making. They are no doubt born out of commercial
interests.
A small amount of research will put your mind to
rest.
The following paragraph is
from an article on Pelotherapy in the Options Magazine
October 2007
“Clay is composed of various
mineral compounds rich in silica and aluminium (meaning Alumina oxide
- Al2O3);
sometimes including iron, copper, zinc and magnesium and other trace minerals.
The aluminium (meaning Alumina oxide
- Al 2O3),
found in clay is quite different from the toxic inorganic substance used in
commercial deodorants and so isn’t associated with the same risks. The two key
compounds form flat layers of minute particles as rocks such as shale and mud
stone are weathered by the elements.
The clay layers create a
large surface area which is highly reactive and due to the bond between silica
and aluminium (meaning Alumina oxide
- Al2O3),
the clay particles contain negatively charged ions.”
written by
Ananda Mahony ND, a
naturopath and holistic skin care specialist.
Ananda lectures nutrition and
Food As Medicine at the Australian College of Natural Medicine.
Article
complied by M Mason 2010
Copyright Australian Healing Clay
|
