Description

What Bleaching Earth Is:

Definition: Bleaching earth is a type of clay material used primarily in the refining of edible oils and other substances to remove color, impurities, and sometimes odor.

Composition: It is mainly made of bentonite clay (montmorillonite) treated with acids (like sulfuric acid) to increase its adsorptive properties.

Appearance: Usually light brown, yellow, or white powder.

Uses:

Oil refining:

Removes pigments (like carotene) from vegetable oils (palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil).

Helps in decolorizing oils to make them more visually appealing.

Purification of fats, waxes, and other liquids:

Removes impurities that could affect taste, smell, or stability.

Industrial uses:

Used in pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, and metal extraction in some cases.

How It Works:

The clay has a high surface area and porous structure.

When oil or liquid passes through, the pigments and impurities stick to the clay, leaving the liquid clearer.

Safety Notes:

Food-grade bleaching earth is safe in oil refining.

Not for direct consumption, inhalation of the powder can irritate lungs