Bentonite

upright=1.3|thumb|Bentonite layers from an ancient deposit of weathering|weathered [[volcanic ash tuff in Wyoming]] thumb|Gray shale and bentonites (Benton Shale; Colorado Springs, Colorado)

thumb|Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph of smectite clay – magnification 23,500 – [[U.S. Geological Survey – Tuckup Canyon]] thumb|Typical cracks pattern of a smectite-rich bentonite after its desiccation and shrinkage

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thumb|Ayilo in Ghana Ayilo, also known as ayilor, hyile, and ferinkasa, is a Ghanaian term for bentonite clay. It is a baked solid white clay usually taken by pregnant women. They are usually baked into egg-shaped balls. Ewes call it agatawoe/agatawe, Gas called it ayilo, English call it kaolin and the Akans call it shirew/shile. Ayilo is mined primarily from a village in the Volta Region. It is first mined in the form of colored kaolin rocks from deep down the land. The rocks are then broken into smaller fragments and the colored parts are peeled off before pounding or grinding into powder. T