Types of clay. Clay as a mineral: description, types and properties

Clay consists of one or more clay minerals - illite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, chlorite, halloysite, or other layered aluminosilicates, but may also contain sand and carbonate particles as impurities. Alumina (Al 2 O 3) and silica (SiO 2) form the basis of the composition of clay-forming minerals.
The diameter of clay particles is less than 0.005 mm; rocks consisting of larger particles are usually classified as silt. The color of clays is varied and is determined by Ch. coloring them with impurities of mineral chromophores or organic compounds. Most pure clays are gray or white, but clays of red, yellow, brown, blue, green, purple and black are also common.

Origin

Clay is a secondary product formed as a result of the destruction of rocks during the process of weathering. The main source of clay formations are feldspars, the destruction of which under the influence of atmospheric agents forms silicates of a group of clay minerals. Some clays are formed by the local accumulation of these minerals, but most are sediments from water flows that accumulate at the bottom of lakes and seas.

In general, according to their origin and composition, all clays are divided into:

• Sedimentary clays, formed as a result of the transfer to another place and deposition there of clayey and other products of the weathering crust. Based on their origin, sedimentary clays are divided into marine clays, deposited on the bottom of the sea, and continental clays, formed on the mainland.
  • Among marine clays distinguish:
    • Coastal-sea - formed in coastal zones (turbulence zones) of seas, open bays, river deltas. They are often characterized by unsorted material. They quickly change into sandy and coarse-grained varieties. Replaced by sandy and carbonate deposits along strike. Such clays are usually interbedded with sandstones, siltstones, coal seams and carbonate rocks.
    • Lagoonal - formed in sea lagoons, semi-enclosed with a high concentration of salts or desalinated. In the first case, the clays are heterogeneous in granulometric composition, insufficiently sorted and wind together with gypsum or salts. Clays from desalinated lagoons are usually finely dispersed, thin-layered, and contain inclusions of calcite, siderite, iron sulfides, etc. Among these clays there are fire-resistant varieties.
    • Shelf - formed at a depth of up to 200 m in the absence of currents. They are characterized by a uniform granulometric composition and large thickness (up to 100 m or more). Distributed over a large area.
  • Among continental clays highlight:
    • Colluvial - characterized by a mixed granulometric composition, its sharp variability and irregular layering (sometimes absent).
    • Ozernye, b. parts with a uniform granulometric composition and finely dispersed. All clay minerals are present in such clays, but kaolinite and hydromicas, as well as minerals of hydrous oxides Fe and Al, predominate in clays of fresh lakes, and minerals of the montmorillonite group and carbonates predominate in clays of salt lakes. Belongs to lacustrine clays best varieties refractory clays.
    • Proluvial, formed by temporary flows. Characterized by very poor sorting.
    • River - developed in river terraces, especially in the floodplain. Usually poorly sorted. They quickly turn into sands and pebbles, most often non-stratified.
• Residual clays- clays resulting from the weathering of various rocks on land, and in the sea as a result of changes in lavas, their ashes and tuffs. Down the section, residual clays gradually transform into parent rocks. The granulometric composition of residual clays is variable - from fine-grained varieties in the upper part of the deposit to uneven-grained ones in the lower part. Residual clays formed from acidic massive rocks are not plastic or have little plasticity; Clays formed during the destruction of sedimentary clay rocks are more plastic. Continental residual clays include kaolins and other eluvial clays. In Russia, in addition to modern ones, ancient residual clays are widespread - in the Urals, in the West. and Vost. Siberia (there are also many of them in Ukraine) - of great practical importance. In the mentioned areas, clays predominantly montmorillonite, nontronite, etc. appear on basic rocks, and on medium and acidic rocks - kaolins and hydromica clays. Marine residual clays form a group of bleaching clays composed of minerals of the montmorillonite group.

Practical use

Clays are widely used in industry (in the production of ceramic tiles, refractories, fine ceramics, porcelain-faience and sanitary wares), construction (production of brick, expanded clay and other building materials), for household needs, in cosmetics and as a material for artistic works (modeling ). Produced from expanded clay clays by annealing with swelling, expanded clay gravel and sand are widely used in the production building materials(expanded clay concrete, expanded clay concrete blocks, wall panels, etc.) and as a heat and sound insulating material. This is a lightweight porous building material obtained by firing low-melting clay. It has the shape of oval granules. It is also produced in the form of sand - expanded clay sand. Depending on the clay processing mode, expanded clay of varying bulk density (volumetric weight) is obtained - from 200 to 400 kg/m 3 and higher. Expanded clay has high heat and noise insulation properties and is used primarily as a porous filler for lightweight concrete, which has no serious alternative. Expanded clay concrete walls are durable, have high sanitary and hygienic characteristics, and expanded clay concrete structures built more than 50 years ago are still in use today. Housing built from prefabricated expanded clay concrete is cheap, high quality and affordable. The largest producer of expanded clay is Russia.

Literature

• Gorkova I.M., Korobanova I.G., Oknina N.A. and others. The nature of strength and deformation characteristics of clayey rocks depending on the conditions of formation and moisture. - Tr. Laboratory hydrogeol. Probl., 1961, issue. 29

Pigments are inorganic compounds that color clay and glazes. Pigments can be divided into two groups: oxides and colorants. Oxides are the main naturally occurring material that forms among rocks earth's crust, cleaned and sprayed. Most often used: copper oxide, which in the oxidizing firing environment takes green color; cobalt oxide, which produces blue tones; iron oxide, which gives blue tones when mixed with glaze, and earth tones when mixed with clay. Chromium oxide gives the clay an olive green color, magnesium oxide gives it brown and purple tones, and nickel oxide gives it a grayish-green color. All these oxides can be mixed with clay in a proportion of 0.5-6%. If their percentage is exceeded, the oxide will act as a flux.pressing the melting temperature of clay. When painting products, the temperature should not exceed 1020 ° C, otherwise firing will not produce results. The second group is dyes. They are obtained industrially or by machining natural materials that represent a full range of colors. Dyes are mixed with clay in a proportion of 5-20%, which determines the light or dark tone of the material. All specialized stores have an assortment of pigments and dyes for both clay and engobes.

Preparing ceramic mass requires a lot of attention. It can be composed in two ways, which give absolutely different results. More logical and reliable path: Apply dyes under pressure. Simpler and, of course, less reliable method: Mix dyes into clay by hand. The second method is used if there is no exact idea about the final coloring results or there is a need to repeat certain colors.

materials used:

Dolors Ross. Ceramics: technique. Techniques. Products./Trans. with him. Yu.O. Bem. - M.: AST-PRESS KNIGA, 2003.

Properties of clay

Types of clay

Clays are classified according to their composition, origin, color, and practical use. If one of the minerals predominates, the clays are named after this mineral - kaolinite, halloysite, etc. More often, clay is represented by a mixture of three or more minerals, i.e. is polymineral. Typically, clay contains impurities, fragments of various minerals, organic matter and newly formed minerals, with a high content of which there is a transition from clay proper to clayey sands, clayey coals, etc. Their numerous physicochemical and technological properties(plasticity, swelling, shrinkage, caking, fire resistance, swelling, adsorption, etc.), which determine the industrial applications of clay and clayey rocks.

Adsorption clays

Adsorption clays are mainly montmorillonite in their mineralogical composition and are characterized by increased binding capacity, high exchange base capacity, adsorption and catalytic activity. This group of clays includes.

Natural clay- This is a sedimentary type of rock. When dry, it appears as lumps or dust, which when wet acquire plastic properties. This fossil is formed under the influence of natural forces during the destruction of rocky massifs.

The main material of clay layers is fossils, such as feldspar. The prevalence of clay and its easy availability make it possible to use this material everywhere. Clay materials are rocks that represent sediment from water currents that accumulate at the bottom of reservoirs.

Typical composition

For centuries, clay has rightfully been the most common and popular material in construction. Natural clay is formed due to the fact that the clayey rocks of the earth are splitting naturally, as well as due to the assistance of mechanical influences.

The material has a variable structure, so the composition of the clay is varied. It is a complex mixture of particles of water, aluminum and silicon. Water in clay can play a binding role; it is in a chemically bound state between the interlayer particles. Rock without impurities is a mass with a minimum particle diameter. This material is very plastic.

Clay contains impurities of the following substances: quartz, magnesium oxide, iron sulfide, and so on. Based on their mineral composition, the following clayey materials can be distinguished:

• kaolin;
• halloysite;
• illite;
• montmorillonite

Raw materials are named based on how the clay material will be used. Important characteristic material is the percentage of impurities (for example, the content of quartz sand). The fire resistance of clay is determined by the percentage of alumina.

Kinds

The above properties, undoubtedly, cannot be inherent in all types of clay at the same time. The most valuable types of natural building materials are:

• fireproof;
• kaolin;
• brick;
• acid-resistant;
• cement;
• bentonite.

The first two types of material are one of the main types of raw materials for the production of porcelain. At the same time, refractory clay can be used for the manufacture of a wide range of refractory products.

Molding clay is characterized by unique binding properties and is also fire-resistant. Therefore, the use of this variety is absolutely justified in the production of casting molds.

As for acid-resistant clays, they include magnesium, calcium, and iron. Earthenware is mainly made from this material.

An excellent building material is obtained from cement and brick clays. Filtration of petroleum products is carried out through the use of bentonite clay, which, by the way, swells greatly when in contact with water.

In production, clay is distinguished with a high content of quartz sand (an impurity predominant in clay) and with a low content. The first is called “skinny”, and the second is called “fat”.

Properties of clay

Clay is a universal natural material. Diverse in composition, as well as physical properties it is used everywhere for the production of household items and building materials, among which it is considered in its pure form.

The properties of clay directly depend on its composition. So, it can behave differently when it comes into contact with water. In some cases, when the material is mixed with water, a dough-like mass is formed. In other cases, the result of this procedure is the formation of a suspension. In the first case, clay has unique properties and can take any shape and retain it when dried.

The prevalence of clay and its easy availability allow this material to be used everywhere. At the same time, due to the impracticality of transporting heavy material over long distances, production complexes are located directly in the area of ​​clay deposits.

Color

Multi-colored clay is a material that contains oxides of metal elements or pigments, and is a homogeneous mixture:

1. Natural pigments give clay a particular shade; they are divided into two categories: oxides of metal elements and coloring substances themselves.
2. During the firing process, red clay turns red or white, depending on the process conditions and the type of firing equipment. This variety can withstand heating up to 1100 degrees.
3. Low-melting majolica clay, black. After firing, the mass resembles ivory products in color. Thanks to the use of glaze, products made from raw materials become unusually durable and have high water resistance.
4. To give the material blue color oxygen-containing cobalt compounds are used. Chromium compounds provide the color of olives, while magnesium and nickel compounds provide brown and gray, respectively.
5. Coloring components are added to raw materials in amounts from 1 to 5%. Higher pigment contents may cause undesirable consequences during the firing process.

Plastic

When drying, the clay will retain the shape that it was given, but will decrease in size. When fired, it will become hard like stone. It is often used in the manufacture of dishes and other kitchen utensils. Bricks are often made from baked clay; they have fairly good strength against mechanical damage.

Clay has binding ability as well as good adhesiveness. When the clay has absorbed enough water, it will no longer let it through, that is, it will become waterproof.

The material has high covering power. This property determines the use of the material as a whitewash for the walls of houses and stoves.

Hygroscopicity

The raw material is not waterproof; when it gets into water, it begins to get soggy, splits into parts, and a porridge-like mass is formed.

It can absorb compounds dissolved in aquatic environment(sorption capacity). This property determines the use of the material for the purification of petroleum products, syrups, juices, and vegetable fats.

Fire resistance

Fire clay has good strength. Clay in its raw form can take on all sorts of configurations. These types of clays are called "fat" clays because they feel greasy when touched. But clays that are less plastic are called “lean”. A brick made from such clay will be very crumbly and fragile.

Useful and healing properties of clay

Undoubtedly, clay has positive influence on the human body. Each type of clay affects the body differently due to different chemical composition.

Clay, which is a natural material, has a beneficial effect for the reason that, in fact, it is a sedimentary rock that was formed as a result of the destruction of rocks and for a long time absorbed all kinds of microelements.

Of all the varieties, the Cambrian is considered the most ancient. blue clay. People have been using it quite successfully since ancient times. healing properties in medicine. This clay owes its name to the period in history during which it was formed.

Other clay materials are considered secondary. They are formed as a result of the destruction of rocks by water flows. For the most part, secondary varieties contain silicate particles.

One of the main reasons why clay is used in medical purposes, is its ability to retain heat. For this reason, clay is so common in heat therapy. In most cases, before using clay, it is brought to the consistency of sour cream, diluted with water.

The amount of added water can be used to judge the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the clay.

White clay

On this moment There are approximately forty types of clay. White clay or kaolin is the most studied in our time:

1. This clay is widely used not only in treatment, but also in the manufacture of porcelain products, and is widely used in chemical industry, making perfumes and the like.
2. White clay has enveloping and absorbent properties. Therefore, it is actually used in the treatment of burns, diaper rash, ulcers and other skin diseases.
3. This variety has not only external uses, but also internal ones. It is taken internally for problems with gastrointestinal tract, as well as in case of poisoning. This clay is cooled and applied to bruises or dislocations on the body.
4. Popular clay compresses are often used. People simply sprinkle clay on wounds and damage. It can also be used as baby powder. But despite everything beneficial features white clay, its blue counterpart is more popular among people. Because, according to the majority, it is the most plastic and has the highest heat capacity.

Scope of application

The most common area of ​​application for clay is the production of porcelain and building materials. The most important stage The production of objects from clay is their firing. So, upon completion of this procedure, the item acquires strength and moisture resistance. A building material made from clay has amazing resistance to mechanical stress.

No less important is the covering power of clay, as well as its coloring properties. In nature, clays come in a wide variety of colors. White, for example, is great for whitewashing surfaces, and colored for painting them.

Some types of clay are suitable for filtering petroleum products, as well as vegetable oils. This property of the material lies in its sorption ability.

Place of Birth

Clay is ubiquitous, this is natural, since it belongs to sedimentary rocks, and is, in fact, rocks crushed to a powdery state.

Mining sites are often located along the banks of water bodies. Outcrops are numerous, but not all deposits are suitable for industrial production.

The most famous deposits are Kashtymskoye, Astafievskoye, Palevskoye. It is worth noting that refractory and kaolin clays are much less common. Often, refractory varieties are adjacent to fire-resistant types.

Currently, clay is mined by quarrying. Clay pits can be of varying depths. Often, one quarry can produce various types clay

Since ancient times, man has used clay for his needs. It was the basis of building materials, it was used to make dishes, and it was used for treatment. Clay is an integral part of the world in which we live, like earth, trees, and water. Clay deposits are found all over the world. Some types are used as a component for the production of building materials. Other types of clay - in medicinal and for cosmetic purposes. We are interested in the last clay, the one that can be used for healing and maintaining health.

What is clay made of?

Clay is a soft, loose, earthy material containing particles less than 4 microns in size. Clay is formed by the weathering and erosion of rocks that contain the mineral feldspar. When feldspar weathers under the influence of water, its composition changes and clay minerals such as kaolinite (the main mineral of kaolin clays) and smectite (the main mineral of bentonite clays) are formed.

Kaolinite has a flat, dense lamellar structure and consists mainly of silicate and aluminate.

Smectites, unlike kaolinite, have a four, six, or octahedral structure through which water freely penetrates, forming a gel. There are two main types. This is sodium and potassium bentonite, depending on the potassium or sodium content in it.

Useful and healing properties of clay

Clay is one of the oldest remedies used by man to treat many diseases. Its properties for maintaining beauty are inherited from generation to generation.

Depending on the minerals (silicon, iron, magnesium, calcium) contained in the clay, its color and properties may vary. Clay can absorb unpleasant odors, fight germs and bacteria, soothe pain, cleanse the skin, leaving it clean and smooth.

Clay can bring great benefit for the human body and maintaining health. It is used in the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, it can relieve stress and calm. The chemical composition of clay gives this mineral substance a truly unique medicinal properties. Here are just some of its medicinal properties.

Antiseptic and bactericidal. Clay is a sterile complex that can create an environment that is inhospitable for the development of bacteria, suppress their reproduction and is completely safe for humans.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Thanks to its ability to absorb heat, clay soothes and relieves inflammation. This property is used for burns, sprains, bruises, and in cosmetology.

Remineralization. The finely dispersed structure of the clay allows the release and absorption of minerals from it, which can be successfully used for joint diseases, fractures, osteoporosis, and anemia.

Adsorbent and antitoxic properties. Clay's ability to absorb a large number of water allows you to draw out toxins and poisons from the body, especially water-soluble ones, and also reduce gas formation. At the same time, she “shares” mineral compositions with the body. This property of clay is used for poisoning and flatulence. The action of the well-known product “Smecta” is based precisely on this property of clay.

Regenerating properties. Clay stimulates blood clotting and accelerates tissue regeneration processes (this only applies to clays containing aluminum).

Alkalinizing properties. The high content of basic elements in the clay composition has an alkalizing effect on the human body.

Tonic properties. Complex minerals improves body functions and gives energy. High content calcium, for example, helps strengthen bones and give elasticity to tissues. Magnesium can relieve nervous tension and muscle fatigue. The high silica content in clay is especially useful for anemia, chronic fatigue, weak immunity.

Types of clay

Clay is now available at any pharmacy or store. Its classification depends on the color of the clay, which in turn depends on the chemical composition and location of the clay deposit. There are generally two main types of clay. These are kaolin clay and bentonite. Multi-colored clay belongs to kaolin clay. Although bentonite may also vary slightly in color depending on the deposit.

Green clay. Green clay is about 50 percent silica and about 14 percent aluminum compound. It is alkaline and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This clay is most often used externally to treat eczema, acne, dark spots. It absorbs sebum well and is often used in cosmetology.

White clay. This type of clay contains high amounts of silica, about 48 percent, and aluminum (about 36 percent). Often it is simply called kaolin or White clay is considered the best clay of all types for internal use. It removes fermentation in the intestines and has intoxicating properties.

Unlike green clay, when internal use which can cause constipation, white clay, on the contrary, stimulates intestinal motility. When used internally, white clay absorbs bacteria and viruses, toxins that are present in digestive system, reduces gas formation, which is useful for poisoning and bloating.

In addition, white clay relieves stomach pain caused by increased acidity, heartburn and normalizes ph. It is also used to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation.
When used externally, you can make masks with it. It improves skin condition, removes wrinkles, flaking, cleanses the skin of excess sebum, tightens pores and tightens the facial contour.

White clay is hypoallergenic and can be used to care for sensitive skin and even for children in the form of powder.

Red clay. The red color of clay is given by ferric iron. There is practically no aluminum in this clay. It was used by the ancient Romans to treat joint pain. She treated injuries to horses and washed them with this clay to prevent infections and diseases.

Today, red clay is used in cosmetology in many masks and creams. It can be used for sore gums: simply brush your teeth and gums and then rinse your mouth well.
Red clay is recommended for sensitive, delicate skin and dermatitis, as it has good adsorbing properties and relieves irritation and pain.

This type of clay can be used for bruises, hematomas, muscle pain. It relieves swelling and pain. It is recommended to use red clay for those who often suffer from headaches, abscesses, boils, migraines, gout, as it improves blood circulation.

Yellow clay. Yellow clay is due to the presence of iron and copper in it. It can be used for pain in the back, neck, and spine. When mixed with green clay, it is used to treat joints, relieve pain, relieve fatigue, and restore muscles and ligaments. Sometimes it is used internally.

Gray clay. This type of clay can be found under the name blue clay. Although in fact it is closer to gray. Grey colour gives clay great content silicon dioxide. It contains about 60 percent.

Gray clay is used internally for stomach problems associated with increased production gastric juice and intestines. It also displays excess liquid and has an alkalizing effect. This clay is also an excellent adsorbent, perhaps even better than green clay.

Since it contains almost 60 percent silica and about 20 percent aluminum, gray clay has good anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used for treatment both internally and externally.

Pink clay. Actually it's not separate species clay, but a mixture of white and red clay. But you can often see it in the pharmacy. This clay has balanced composition iron oxide, mineral salts and silica. It is used in the form of masks and is suitable for all skin types.

Red clay cleanses the skin of toxins and excess sebum. White clay relieves irritation and dryness. Pink clay combines these two properties.

It stimulates blood circulation well, exfoliates and cleanses the skin.

This clay is often used to make homemade scrubs, powders and soaps.

How to use clay

Unfortunately, our clay is sold only in powder form and as cosmetic product. Although in the same Asian countries, you can find other commercial forms. But it is still important to know how to use clay for various purposes.

Clay can be used both internally and topically on the skin in the form of masks, poultices, compresses, and dry powder. It is added to the bath. In this case, the clay can be of different grinding sizes.

Clay with larger particles is used only in the bath, including foot baths, for large compresses or dressings. Fine clay can be used for the same purposes. But besides this, such clay can be used internally.

When treating with clay, you can add essential oils to it, depending on the problem you want to solve.

Clay for oral administration

Clay for oral administration is usually prepared in the evening and then drunk on an empty stomach. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute a tablespoon of clay (without the top, at the level of the edge of the spoon) in 3/4 cup of water.

The clay is stirred with a wooden spoon and, covered with a napkin or gauze, left until the morning.

At first, you can drink only the part of the water that is on top, leaving a clay sediment. The course of treatment is 1 month. Clay water can be drunk for anemia, intestinal and stomach problems, to cleanse the body of toxins.

Dried clay in the form of sticks. Clay sticks are sold in India, China, countries South America. They are used for sucking, not for drinking.

Clay tablets. Essential oils can be added to such tablets. They are also resorbed. You can take up to 3 tablets during the day. Course – 1 month.

External application. To prepare clay in the form of a poultice, it is mixed only in a wooden, ceramic or glass container and a wooden spoon. Never use metal utensils.

For cosmetic purposes

Use the same utensils as for external preparation. Pour the clay with mineral or purified water so that it is completely covered with water.

Leave for about an hour and then add essential oil. The amount of clay and essential oil varies depending on the purpose of use. Stir only with a wooden spoon.

Next, apply the clay to your face. If clay is used for treatment skin diseases, then spread in an even layer on gauze or a napkin. Leave for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Secure the bandage so that it does not get mixed up.

Clay treatment at home

Using clay for healing is not a new practice. In some countries it still occupies not the last place. Although in our country clay is better known and used for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, we will give several recipes on how to use clay to treat certain diseases.

Circulatory disorders. Prepare a clay mash, into which you can add cypress essential oil, and apply it to the diseased veins. In addition to cypress, you can add essential oil of geranium, lemon, for example, 3 drops of geranium and 5 drops of lemon oil.

Intestinal spasms, colic, cramps. Dilute the clay, but not liquid. Wrap in a napkin and heat in a water bath. Apply a compress to the abdominal area. Make such a compress no earlier than half an hour after eating. You can add essential oils of Roman chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and fennel to the clay in the following proportion: 3 drops of chamomile, 2 drops each of lavender and lemon balm, 3 drops of fennel.

For insomnia. Do hot compress with clay in the area of ​​the spine and neck, adding 4 drops of bitter orange essential oil, 3 drops of Roman chamomile, 4 drops of lavender oil.

Using clay in the form of a bandage. This is done when you need to apply clay to large area skin. You need to cut gauze or fabric that matches the width of the area on which the clay will be applied. Prepare a clay mash and soak a cloth in it.

At a temperature. At temperature, make a cold mash of clay. To the solution you need to add 2 drops of bergamot essential oil, 1 drop each of mint and eucalyptus essential oil. Apply the moistened bandage to the forehead and leave for several hours.

For inflammation of the mouth and gums. To do this, rinse with a clay solution, which is infused for at least 2 hours. Stir the clay well before rinsing. After rinsing, rinse your mouth well with water.

Clay baths. Baths can be done either for the whole body, or just for the arms or legs. You can do a sitz bath. To prepare a bath, dilute 500 grams of clay in water. You can add essential oil, depending on the purpose of use. Since clay can clog the drain, it is better to do sitz baths or use a separate bath.

For rheumatism, add 8 drops of juniper essential oil and 2 drops of laurel oil to a clay bath.

For physical fatigue: 7 drops of rosemary essential oil and 2 drops of thyme oil.

You should take baths for no more than 15-20 minutes and do them every other day.

Ointment with clay

Fine clay is used to prepare the ointment. You can dilute it with a decoction medicinal herbs or hydrosol. Essential oils are also added. For medicinal ointments Green clay or bentonite clay is usually used. For cosmetics – white kaolin

Clay for face. Clay masks

Clay is used in many cosmetic procedures: wraps, scrubs, hair masks. But the most commonly used method is face masks.

To prepare a face mask, you need to mix 10 grams of clay with 10-15 ml of liquid (this can be herbal decoctions, just water or floral waters). For oily skin, clay can be used to dilute fruit juices or vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, lemon or orange juice. For dry and normal skin Milk, honey, olive or other cosmetic oil, and egg yolks are suitable.

Stir until paste-like. The mask is applied for 20-30 minutes and then washed off with warm water. After the mask, apply moisturizer.

For oily skin, you can add 1 drop of lemon essential oil and 2 drops of lavender oil to the mask.

For dry skin, 1 drop sweet orange and 2 drops sandalwood.

Clay as a powder. Clay can be used as talc. It is excellent for treating ulcers, wounds, eczema, and can soothe simply irritated red areas of the skin.

In addition, clay acts as a deodorant and absorbs excess fat, helps relieve irritation and healing.

Clay for cellulite

For swelling of the skin, make this compress: 5 drops lemon juice, 4 drops lemon balm essential oil, 2 drops oregano oil. Apply the compress to your legs and buttocks.

For circulatory problems: 4 drops of geranium essential oil, 4 drops of cypress oil, 3 drops of rosemary oil.

For thickened peel: 6 drops of bitter orange essential oil, 2 drops each of cedar and ginger oil.

Using clay even just for purely cosmetic purposes will allow you to preserve the beauty of your skin for a long time and prolong youth.

Different types of clay can be mixed with each other. This will only enhance the mutual action of the clay.