Bentonite – 500 gram Packs

Bentonite is a naturally occurring clay material composed primarily of smectite-group minerals, particularly montmorillonite, a hydrated aluminium silicate. This fine mineral powder is known for its water-absorption capacity, swelling behaviour, adsorption properties, and ability to form suspensions in aqueous systems. Unlike a pure chemical compound, Bentonite has a variable mineral composition, so its precise chemical formula and molecular weight are not fixed. It is relevant to laboratory investigations involving clay minerals, colloidal systems, sedimentation, surface chemistry, and interactions between mineral surfaces and dissolved substances. Educational institutions, university laboratories, and research centres use Bentonite in selected experiments related to physical chemistry, geology, environmental science, and materials research. Its suitability for a particular procedure depends on its composition, grade, particle characteristics, and required performance. Lab Wale offers Bentonite for laboratory applications where the material meets the scientific requirements of the intended investigation.

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Appearance	Fine grey to off-white powder
Assay	99%
Chemical Name	Bentonite
Alternate Names	Bentonite clay, Montmorillonite-rich clay, Smectite clay
Molecular Formula	Variable; no single molecular formula applies to natural Bentonite
Empirical Formula	Not applicable; composition varies with mineral constituents
CAS Number	1302-78-9
Molecular Weight	Not applicable; variable mineral composition
Grade	LR Laboratory Reagent

Key Features of Bentonite

• Natural clay composition: Consists primarily of smectite-group minerals, especially montmorillonite, with the exact composition depending on its geological source.
• Water absorption and swelling: Certain Bentonite types absorb water and expand, making them relevant to studies of clay hydration and mineral behaviour.
• Adsorption characteristics: Its mineral surfaces interact with selected dissolved substances, supporting investigations of adsorption and surface chemistry.
• Colloidal behaviour: Bentonite can form aqueous suspensions with properties influenced by concentration, particle size, and mineral composition.
• Scientific research applications: Relevant to selected experiments in physical chemistry, geology, environmental science, and materials research.

Laboratory Applications of Bentonite

• Educational chemistry practicals: Used in supervised experiments demonstrating suspensions, sedimentation, colloidal behaviour, and the properties of finely divided solids.
• Adsorption investigations: Supports studies of interactions between clay surfaces and selected dissolved substances under controlled experimental conditions.
• Environmental science research: Can be used in selected investigations of soil minerals, contaminant interactions, and clay behaviour in aqueous systems.
• Geology and mineralogy studies: Relevant to examining clay mineral characteristics, hydration behaviour, and differences between mineral samples.
• Materials and suspension research: Can support investigations of rheology, suspension stability, and clay-based materials when its composition meets the method requirements.

Why Choose Lab Wale to Buy Bentonite

Lab Wale provides laboratory chemicals and scientific supplies for schools, colleges, universities, research centres, and laboratory professionals. When purchasing Bentonite, buyers should consider its mineral composition, specified grade, physical characteristics, and suitability for the intended experiment. Because natural Bentonite can vary in composition and performance, reviewing available product specifications and relevant safety documentation helps laboratories select an appropriate material. Lab Wale offers a convenient sourcing option for laboratory supplies used in educational, analytical, and research environments, supporting informed selection according to technical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bentonite

What is Bentonite used for in laboratories?

Bentonite is used in selected experiments involving adsorption, colloidal suspensions, sedimentation, clay mineral properties, and surface chemistry. It is also relevant to geology and environmental science research. Its performance depends on mineral composition, particle characteristics, concentration, and experimental conditions.

What is the chemical formula of Bentonite?

Bentonite has no single fixed molecular formula because it is a naturally occurring mineral material with variable composition. Its principal clay mineral is often montmorillonite, whose composition varies with elemental substitutions and hydration. For this reason, Bentonite is not described by one universal molecular formula.

What is the CAS number of Bentonite?

The commonly assigned CAS Registry Number for Bentonite is 1302-78-9. This identifier refers to the clay material rather than a single chemically pure molecular species. The mineral composition and physical properties may vary with the geological source and processing method.

Does Bentonite dissolve in water?

Bentonite is generally insoluble as a true molecular solution, but it absorbs water and may swell or disperse to form a suspension or gel-like system. The extent of swelling and dispersion depends on the mineral type, concentration, particle characteristics, and water chemistry.

How should Bentonite be stored and handled safely?

Store Bentonite in a tightly closed, clearly labelled container in a dry area to minimise moisture uptake and contamination. Avoid generating or inhaling airborne dust, wear suitable protective equipment, and use appropriate ventilation during powder handling. Consult the current Safety Data Sheet for precautions related to dust and any crystalline silica present.

Storage Conditions for Bentonite

Store Bentonite in a tightly closed, clearly labelled container in a dry, well-ventilated area, protected from moisture and contamination. Use a suitable container and follow the supplier’s storage recommendations to maintain the material’s intended physical characteristics. Keep the storage area clean and prevent the accumulation of airborne or settled dust during weighing, transfer, and routine laboratory handling.

Precautions for Handling Bentonite

Review the current Safety Data Sheet before handling Bentonite. Wear suitable laboratory gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles, and avoid generating or inhaling airborne dust. Use appropriate local ventilation when weighing or transferring the powder. Because some mineral materials may contain crystalline silica, follow applicable exposure-control requirements. Clean spills using methods that minimise dust dispersion and dispose of waste according to institutional procedures and applicable regulations.