RizosMios really wants to know...I’ve been using rhassoul clay for awhile now. Its mineral contents include magnesium and calcium, two minerals that are also found in hard water, in which one is recommended to buy special filters for shower heads if one lives somewhere with hard water. Would anyone have any idea why these two [...]
RizosMios really wants to know...I’ve been using rhassoul clay for awhile now. Its mineral contents include magnesium and calcium, two minerals that are also found in hard water, in which one is recommended to buy special filters for shower heads if one lives somewhere with hard water. Would anyone have any idea why these two minerals work well in clay but not in water?
The Beauty Brains respond:
The answer lies in the fact that not all minerals are created equal.
Clay chemistry
Clays are technically known as hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates and they do indeed contain a variety of minerals. In the case of rhassoul clay the composition is as follows:
Silica- 58%
Aluminum- 2.47%
Iron- 0.64%
Sodium- 2.3%
Magnesium- 25.2%
Calcium- 2.34%
But the important thing to note is the form in which these minerals are contained. These minerals are tied up in large chemical structures and are not free to interact. This is why clays are so stable.
Hard water hardship
In hard water, it’s a different story because minerals are not locked up in these larger structures. The calcium and magnesium are “loose” ions that are free to interact with other things (like soap). Since the Ca and Mg ions have a stronger charge (+2) than the Sodium or Potassium (+1) that was used to make the soap, the Ca and/or Mg ions replace the Na or K, forming an insoluble salt that is typically called “soap scum.” This is the residue you find on your hair, skin and bathtub.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
You can enjoy the benefits of clay based products without worrying about hard water buildup.
Image credit: http://farm2.staticflickr.com
Source: thebeautybrains.com
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