Can Clay Contain Heavy Metals?

Did you know that clay can contain heavy metals?

While clay is a natural material made up of tiny mineral particles, it is mainly composed of hydrated silicates of aluminum. So yes, it has naturally occurring metals in it. It forms over long periods as rocks break down through weathering. When mixed with water, clay becomes soft and moldable, but it hardens when dried or fired.

While despite the fact we live in this world, day in and day out, we are exposed to metals, irregardless of our efforts to not be. But we cannot escape them because the earth in itself has every element that exists, and living synonymously amongst metals is part of life. Having too much metals is another thing though.

Many people use clay for a variety of reasons such as:

For arts and crafts:

• Pottery & Ceramics – Making bowls, plates, mugs, and sculptures.

• Sculpting – Creating figurines, statues, and decorative pieces.

• Jewelry & Beads – Handmade pendants, earrings, and charms.

Construction & Building Materials

• Bricks & Tiles – Used in construction for walls, roofs, and flooring.

• Adobe & Cob Houses – Some traditional houses are made from clay mixed with straw.

• Cement & Concrete – Clay is a component in some cement formulations.

Industrial & Manufacturing

• Porcelain & Fine China – Used for high-quality dishware and decorative items.

• Refractory Materials – High-temperature bricks and coatings for furnaces.

• Paper Making – Some types of clay (like kaolin) are used to make paper smoother.

Beauty & Skincare

• Face Masks & Body Treatments – Clay is used in skincare for its purifying properties.

• Soap & Scrubs – Some soaps include clay for exfoliation.

Medical & Health Uses

• Healing Clays – Certain clays (like bentonite) are ingested or applied to detoxify the body.

• Wound Healing – Clay has been used in poultices for treating wounds.

Agriculture & Environment

• Soil Amendment – Some clays help retain water and nutrients in soil.

• Water Filtration – Clay is used in filters to purify water.

So clay can be found in not just industrial environments as many would assume, but it is also found in cosmetics, and can potentially even leave residue in our water, which can directly leave us susceptible to heavy metals. 

 Naturally occurring clays often have trace amounts of metals like:

• Lead (Pb)

• Arsenic (As)

• Mercury (Hg)

• Cadmium (Cd)

• Chromium (Cr)

Again, while this isn’t to scare anyone or prevent you from using clay in your life, exposure and precaution must be taken to avoid contamination.

The best things we recommend is

1. If you’re handling clay, try to wear gloves.

2. If you’re working with clay, try to wear a mask.

3. If you are planning to utilize clay topically, opt for a company takes does 3rd party testing and checks for heavy metal contamination.

4. Buy yourself a water filter that filters heavy metals.

5. Check your heavy metal status by running an HTMA with us by clicking the link here.

6. Opt for manking sure you have adequate minerals to prevent metal overload by looking to our mineral stack here!