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The Red clay distributed by Natural Russia is part of the 6 clays mined in the South of France. They are mined in the most natural way, are sun-dried, purified and ground to a very fine powder.
The clays are named according to the prevalent mineral in them - montmorillonite, illite, or kaolinite.
The 6 French clays we stock are: Green Montmorillonite, Green Illite, Yellow Illite, White Kaolinite, Red Illite, Pink Illite. The colour of the clays and their therapeutic/cosmetic properties are determined by their chemical structure. Red clay owes its colour to a high level of iron oxide in it. Read more about different clays and their properties in my article "Clays - Colours of the Rainbow".
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Red Illite Clay is similar in properties to Green and other Illite clays. Its main property is high sorptive capacity which makes it very useful for removing toxins. The only difference is its colouring which is explained by a higher presence of iron oxide. Illite is found in certain regions in the North of France (in our case it is Provence) and in the Atlantic basin.
French Red Illite is a non-swelling clay. It has a very rich mineral content, so is excellent for remineralisation of the skin. It has a sorption ability of 30% against Maontmorillonite's 20%. Its sorptive properties give it a very powerful detoxifying effect. Illite acts like a magnet for toxins, so it is the greatest detoxifying remedy available in nature. Red Illite is used mainly in the beauty industry and cosmetics production, for its tonifying, humidifying effect on the skin. It revives pale, sallow, ageing skin. It also purifies congested, acne-prone skin types. It improves blood circulation and makes the skin look radiant, hydrated, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and broken capillaries.
SiO2 - 63,90%
Al2O3 - 18,50%
MgO - 0,40%
Fe2O3 - 7,30%
TiO2 - 0,70%
K2O) - 3,00%
Na2O - 0,10%
CaO - 0,60%
29% - Illite
22% - Kaolin
38% - Quartz
3% - Feldspar
8% - others
Cation exchange rate: +/- 32 meq/ 100g
Face Mask
Basic face mask recipe: 1 tsp of clay + water to form a spreadable paste. Apply and leave to dry. Wash off, apply moisturiser. Clay masks can have other ingredients added, depending on the skin type and purpose of the mask. Calcium Bentonite masks have a natural bleaching effect, and are used when aiming to reduce broken capillaries, wrinkles, improve tone and texture of the skin. They are also excellent at restoring the natural pH of the skin and cleansing it. Acne/spots is another skin condition which benefits from Illite clay applications. A mask will leave the skin look revitalised, toned and glowing.
Body Wrap
Body wrap is another popular application for French Illite clays. Red Illite would be used on its own or added to a body wrap mix to promote circulation and metabolism, as well as initiate detoxification and calm down any skin problems. It is a luxurious and thoroughly therapeutic treatment, especially with powdered seaweed added to it. Mix the clay with seaweed powder (50/50), add water to form a spreadable mass. To do it at home, prepare a place to lie on first, and a warm room. Lay down 1 or 2 warm blankets, with a plastic sheet on top. Cover yourself with the mixture of clay and water, or clay, seaweed and water, lie down on the plastic sheet, cover yourself with the remaining half of the blanket. Make sure you remain warm throughout. Stay under the blanket for 15-30 minutes. Wash off in a shower or a bath. For a salon application, follow the normal procedure for a body wrap.
Cosmetic Ingredient
Used in making soaps, shower gels, as a colouring agent and for its health benefits.