Generally, clay properties are assessed by six criteria:
- Mineral composition.
- Non-mineral composition.
- Texture.
- Ion exchange characteristics.
- Organic material.
- Soluble salts.
Glacial Marine’s clay belongs to the green family of clays. According to Dr. Raymond Dextreit, an expert on clays and the author of the book ‘Our Earth, Our Cure’ the green family of clays are the most desirable and the only type recommended for ingestion. The clays colloidal structure means that the clay is formed in particles as fine as the mist in a fog bank. To be classified as colloidal, the majority of particles of the material must not exceed .15 microns in size.
They may be so infinitesimal as to be invisible under a powerful microscope. A cubic inch of these particles would have a total surface area of more than five thousand square inches. This tremendous surface area of the clays colloidal particles accounts for its incredible absorptive action.
Glacial clay can be used directly from the ground. It reveals a smooth texture when rubbed between the fingers. This fine texture can be enhanced with proper screening and the addition of the correct amount of water.
The greenish/blue/gray clay is a homogeneous mass of a soft putty-like consistency when first removed from the clay beds. Over the years, “systems studies have included chemical analysis, x-ray diffraction, ultra and electron-photomicrography and electrophoresis studies that show the clay mined is a natural product composed of quartz and mica, representing a small course fraction, or grit, and an aluminum silicate, the particles of which are of such small dimension that some of them cannot be made clearly distinguishable even with the electron microscope”.
When glacial clay is mixed, whipped or beaten with a rotary blade, the clay’s consistency changes. It goes from a dense, hard packed, lumpy condition to a free flowing, less viscose, almost meringue like texture. After being processed the clay is easier to work with and can be filled into jars, bottles and tubes with the minimum of difficulty.
In tests conducted over the past twenty ears it has been found that most clays have a pH factor range from 7 – 14 on the alkaline side of the scale. Carrie Cove’s glacial colloidal clay has a pH factor of 6.5 to 7.3, as close to neutral as possible. This is very desirable for skin and hair applications.
Glacial Marine’s clay in its natural state, has a moisture content of 35.5%. Unit weight (wet) is 109 lb/cu foot. Specific gravity is 1.9. When comparing the percentage of mineral content, with other clays, Glacial Marine’s clay is closest to the Delft Marl which is approximately 50-64% silica, 13-15% aluminum and 4-10% iron.