History

• Bentonite was used by Native Americans as a cleaning product. As early settlers began to trek west, other uses for the mineral appeared: water-proofing roofs, greasing wheels and treating inflammation in horse's hooves. The name bentonite is taken from Fort Benton in Wyoming.
  
  

Function

• Treated bentonite is used in cosmetics, healing practices, water purification and wine fining, just to name a few uses.
  
  

Time Frame

• Bentonite is a naturally occurring mineral, and when in its natural environment, it may have a lifespan of millions of years. It may also have a long shelf-life as a cosmetic product but other forms of processing used may shorten the lifespan.