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.
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.
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