Fuller’s Earth

FULLER’S EARTH

Synonyms

Floridin, multani mitti.

History

The word Fuller’s earth is derived from the ancient process of cleaning or pulling wool to remove oil and dust particles with a water slurry of earth.

Source

Fueller’s earth is mined in open quarry. It is a non-plastic type of kaolin, containing aluminium magnesium silicate.                                                    

Geographical Source

It is found in Hampshire, Surrey, Somerset, Dorset, and Glaucestershine.

Description

It is white to yellowish grey in colour, odourless and tasteless powder. If put into water, it swells and acquires nonplastic texture.

Chemical Constituents

Fueller’s earth has the following approximate composition SiO₂ 55%; A1₂O₃ 6%; CaO 3.5%; MgO 2.0%, Fe₂O₃ 6%; Water 10% representing montmorillonite 50% and silica 18%.

Uses

It is used as decolourizer for oils and other liquids, as clarifying and filtering agent and for cleansing of woollen fabrics. Due to absorbent property, it is used in the preparation of dusting powders.