Sodium Bentonite and Calcium Bentonite are two main types of Bentonite clay, and the major difference between them is how much they swell when they come in contact with water and where they are used.
Sodium Bentonite
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Swells 15–20 times its size when mixed with water
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Forms a thick, strong gel
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Very high absorption capacity
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Used for sealing ponds & borewells, drilling mud, waterproofing, and landfill lining
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Also called swelling Bentonite
Calcium Bentonite
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Swells only 2–3 times
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More stable but less gel strength
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Used in cosmetics, medicines, detox products, agriculture, and animal feed
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Also called non-swelling Bentonite
Key Difference Summary
| Feature | Sodium Bentonite | Calcium Bentonite |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling capability | Very high | Low |
| Water absorption | Strong | Moderate |
| Gel strength | Thick & sticky | Smooth & mild |
| Common uses | Drilling, sealing, waterproofing | Beauty, health & feed grade |
| Also known as | Swelling Bentonite | Non-swelling Bentonite |
