Hectorite (clay mineral)
CAS: 12173-47-6
Category: Inorganic Chemicals
| Purity | Industrial Grade ≥95% mineral content; Cosmetic Grade ≥98%; High-Purity Grade ≥99% |
| Molecular Formula | Na0.3(Mg,Li)3Si4O10(OH)2 |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 370.5 (variable depending on composi |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine powder, odorless, soft clay mineral with high swelling capacity and excellent colloidal properties |
| Packaging | 25 kg kraft paper bag with polyethylene liner, 500 kg or 1000 kg woven polypropylene bulk bag (FIBC) |
| Testing Indicators | Appearance — Visual inspection; Particle size distribution — Laser diffraction particle size analysis; Moisture content — Loss on drying (LOD); Mineral identification — X-ray diffraction (XRD); Chemical composition — X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or ICP-OES analysis; Magnesium, lithium, sodium and silicon content — ICP-MS/ICP-OES; Heavy metals — ICP-MS; pH value — Aqueous dispersion pH measurement; Swelling index and viscosity performance — Standard rheological testing methods. |
| Storage Notes | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep packaging tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity. Store away from strong acids and incompatible chemicals. Handle carefully to minimize dust generation. |
| Lead Time | 10 days |
Hectorite is a natural smectite clay mineral widely used as a rheology modifier, thickener, suspension stabilizer, and gelling agent. It is commonly applied in cosmetics, personal care products, coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, drilling fluids, and specialty industrial formulations. Hectorite improves viscosity control, dispersion stability, and texture performance in liquid systems.