One of the most common forms of green clay is Bentonite, a clay from the smectite group. It contains substantial amounts of magnesium and a wide variety of trace minerals. Through its natural evolution, bentonite (as well as montmorillonite) also selectively adsorbs a variety of organic material. Echolife’s Calcium Bentonite (Montmorillonite) clay is pH balanced (acid/alkaline ratio).

No two clays are completely alike, even if they are mined in the same area. Our clay is from an underground mine in the beautiful Death Valley/Mojave Desert area of California where it has been protected from the elements for thousands of years. It is finely milled and perfect for adding purified or a good quality still mineral water (hydrating) to make a ‘gel’ or ‘paste’ for face or body applications.

How does Calcium Bentonite Clay differs from other clays?

Calcium bentonite clays are of the smectite group making them unique in that they swell while absorbing (draws toxic substances into its internal structure — similar to a sponge absorbing water) and adsorbing (substances stick to the outside surface of the clay molecule) substances into the clay internal structure. The smectite group of clays comprise 99% of the clays used for healing applications.

• Echolife’s Mojave Calcium Bentonite Clay is pure natural calcium bentonite clay with a 9.8pH (scientific ‘alkaline’ is above 7pH).
• Its Milling fineness is 350 Screen Mesh (Non-gritty and mixes smoothly).
• It draws 33 times its molecular weight and swells to three times it normal size when water is added.
• It is odourless and tasteless. It cleanses the skin, deeply drawing out impurities and toxic substances
• This rare natural desert clay is considered as one of the finest and purest calcium bentonite/montmorillonite clays available.

Instructions for hydrating Calcium Bentonite Clay – face and body applications:

The ratio for hydrating our Calcium Bentonite Mojave Living Clay is 1 part dry clay to 2 – 2 1/2 parts water. However you may make it thinner or thicker, according to your own personal preference; e.g. I part clay to 2 parts water for a thicker mix or 1 part clay to 3 parts water for a thinner mix. Note: French Green Clay does not swell as much as our calcium bentonite clay.

What water to use for hydrating clay: Distilled water is too pure and may increase the drying effect on the skin. Instead, used a good quality bottled mineral water containing minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium.

Small Batch (2 cups or more)

There are several ways to prepare hydrated clay. We have found the following to be the easiest … Using a glass bowl add 1 part clay to 2 1/2 parts purified, spring or filtered water. Note: always begin by making up a small amount of clay until you get the desired consistency. For example, if the clay is too ‘runny’, use l cup clay to 2 cups water or if it is too thick, use one cup clay to 3 cups water.

We recommend using an electric beater or blender to mix the clay and the water. From experience we have found that this to be the best method. If you choose to mix by hand, you can use a wooden or plastic spoon as an alternative to metal. Always wash immediately any metal spoons or whisks you have used to mix up hydrated clay as it has the ability to draw metal out. The end product will be a creamy, smooth, yoghurt-like substance. If you hold the container in one hand and tap it with the other hand, you should be able to feel the clay ‘bounce’. This means the clay is ready to use in whatever way you choose. Note. The consistency can be easily adjusted by adding more powdered clay or water until personal preference is achieved.

Using and applying hydrated clay

Clay can be applied thickly or thinly to the face or any part of the body as a ‘mask’ and allowed to dry naturally or covered with any natural material — cotton or wool. If you do not wish to cover the clay, use a fine-mist spray bottle filled with a good quality mineral water and mist frequently to keep moist until you are ready to wash off.  Taking a clay bath every now and then is a good way to cleanse and detoxify the entire body.

If you wish to know more about clay, its history throughout the ages and its uses today, we recommend reading the following books….

‘The Clay Cure’ by Ran Knishinsky available on our website
‘Our Earth Our Cure’ by Raymond Dextreit available at amazon.com
‘The Healing Power of Clay’ by Michael Abehsera available on our webstore
Or visit eytonsearth.org