Question

Is zeolite the same as bentonite clay?

Answer 1

1. Bentonite: Clay known as bentonite has been used as a cure for numerous ailments for a very long time.
2. In honor of a French location that has a significant deposit, it is also known as Montmorillonite clay.
3. The main component of bentonite, an absorbent swelling clay, is montmorillonite, which can be either $\mathrm{Na}$ or $\mathrm{Ca}$-montmorillonite.
4. Zeolite: The "molecular sieves" family of microporous materials, which includes zeolites, is composed primarily of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen.
5. These metal ions are commonly mono- or divalent ions like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium in naturally occurring zeolites.
6. From the above discussion, it is clear they both contain almost the same component but they are not the same because of structural differences.
7. Both zeolite and bentonite have a reputation for being powerful pollutant binders. The mineralogical structure accounts for the difference.

Hence, Zeolite and bentonite clay are not the same.