The key difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay is that diatomaceous contains silica with some amount of trace minerals, whereas bentonite clay contains hydrous aluminum silicates composed of iron and magnesium.
Diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay are minerals. These minerals are different from each other according to their chemical composition and applications.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Diatomaceous Earth
3. What is Bentonite Clay
4. Diatomaceous Earth vs Bentonite Clay in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Diatomaceous Earth vs Bentonite Clay
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth or diatomite (also called kieselgur) can be described as a naturally occurring soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. It can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder with a particle size ranging from 3 micrometers to 1 millimeter. The feel of this powder typically depends on the granularity. However, it usually has an abrasive feel, which is similar to pumice powder. It also has a low density caused by the high porosity of this substance.
Figure 01: Diatomaceous Earth
Typically, this mineral substance contains silica (about 80% – 90%), alumina (2% – 4%) and iron oxide (0.5% – 2%) in its oven-dried form. Moreover, this substance contains fossilized remains of diatoms. It is a type of hard-shelled protest.
When considering the uses of diatomaceous earth, it is useful as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products such as metal polishes and toothpaste, mechanical insecticides, absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, as a reinforcing agent for rubber and plastics, as a stabilizing component in dynamite, etc.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay can be described as a very old clay useful in making skincare products. It has been used as a remedy for many things since ancient times. It was named after Fort Benton, which has a lot of bentonite clay. However, we can find it all over the world. This clay is a fine powder that forms upon the aging of volcanic ash.
Figure 02: Bentonite Clay
Earlier, people used bentonite clay for the removal of impurities on the skin. These impurities include oils and toxins of the body. In modern times, it is also added to food and drinks to relieve digestive issues and remove toxins from the body. Moreover, it is an effective healing ingredient on our skin, and sometimes it is useful in treating diaper rash. This substance is most probably non-toxic to our skin.
Besides, bentonite clay can deeply clean the scalp, removing dead skin cells. It can wash the toxins out of the hair and strengthens hair by preventing hair loss by cleaning hair follicles allowing them to absorb water. Therefore, it makes hair grow thicker and healthy.
What is the Difference Between Diatomaceous Earth and Bentonite Clay?
Diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay are important mineral substances that can be found on earth. These minerals are different from each other according to their chemical composition and applications. The key difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay is that diatomaceous earth has silica with some amount of trace minerals, whereas bentonite clay contains hydrous aluminum silicates consisting of iron and magnesium.
Below is a summary of the difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Diatomaceous Earth vs Bentonite Clay
Diatomaceous earth or diatomite can be described as a naturally occurring soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. Bentonite clay can be described as a very old clay useful in making skincare products. The key difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay is that diatomaceous earth has silica with some amount of trace minerals, whereas bentonite clay contains hydrous aluminum silicates consisting of iron and magnesium.
Reference:
1. “Diatomaceous Earth: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Bentonite-clay-detox-badlands” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Diatomaceous Earth” By SprocketRocket – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia