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            | Bentonite
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            | It 
              is also known as 'Weathered Basalt'. It has a very good export 
              market. This is a mineral which has brought Kutch on the world mineral 
              map.The sodium based Bentonite is used in steel plant, oil exploration, 
              medicines, etc.The royalty charged on Bentonite by the Goverment 
              of Gujarat is very high as compared to other state and this has 
              affected to other states and this has affected the export of Bentonite. 
              The Bentonite could be given value addition by manufacturing - Activation 
              of Bentonite -Organoclays. |  
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                  Features:- 
                    Normally, it is green or brownish in color but sometimes can 
                    be found in reddish color. In the  beginning  the 
                    color is dark but later on it fades. When kept in water it 
                    swells and forms gel.    
                  Location:- 
                    In Bhachau, Raapar, Anjar, Bhuj, Mundra, Mandvi, Abdassa, 
                    Nakhatrana, Lakhpat talukas.   
                  Use:- 
                    for foundry sand bond, pelletization of iron ore, drilling 
                    mud, activated bleaching earth, civil engineering, refectories 
                    and ceramics, pharmaceutical aid, welding electrode, fillers, 
                    insecticides, etc..   
                  Controlled 
                    by:- Department of mining.    
                  Types:- 
                    1) Sodium predominant which is easily available in Kutch. 
                    2) Calcium predominant is also available in Kutch. |   
            | MAIN |  |