Fuller’s Earth is a superabsorbent form of aluminum silicate used for centuries to absorb dirt and oil. It is used in cat litter, filters, cleaners, and refining processes. It is also used in natural beauty products and in films to create explosions.
Fuller’s Earth resembles clay in texture and shape, but is actually a superabsorbent form of aluminum silicate. Composed primarily of silica, magnesium, iron and aluminum, it has been used for centuries to absorb dirt and oil. The name comes from its historical use in refining wool, when an artisan, called a “follitore,” applied the clay-like substance to the wool to remove dirt and oil before the weave was completed.
Clay is a byproduct of the metamorphosis of some rocks and minerals. Some of the largest deposits result from the slow erosion of feldspar, a common mineral. It is often a byproduct of the gradual metamorphosis into volcanic glass. The United States is the major producer of most grades and forms of the clay, as are Japan, England and Mexico.
In modern times, Fuller’s Earth is used as an effective absorbent product and is often found as a component of cat litter. It is also used in filters, household cleaners and stain removers due to its unique ability to extract oil from other substances. Automotive or repair shops often keep the product on hand for quick cleanup of oil spills. It is also an important part of the refining process for edible oils, as it can leach impurities from mineral, vegetable or animal sources.
In addition to having considerable value for industrial refining processes, Fuller’s Earth is also a common ingredient in natural or homemade beauty products. It is often recommended for the treatment of excess skin oil, acne or congested pores. Some also use this silicate to treat hyperpigmented skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars or freckles as it has mild whitening properties. Cosmetic-grade versions can be purchased from some herbal or cosmetic suppliers, and is often found as an ingredient in soap or facial masks intended for oily skin.
In the film world, this material has been a staple of action films for decades, for a reason that has nothing to do with its absorbent qualities. When creating explosions, such as those seen in battlefield sequences, an explosive charge is typically placed in the earth and activated, sending out a large plume of earth to simulate gunfire, cannonballs, or other explosions. Fuller’s earth is prized for the huge splashes of earth he creates when hit with a charge, much larger than those with normal dirt, literally providing more value for money.
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