Bentonite is defined as a naturally occurring material that is composed predominantly of the clay mineral smectite. Main uses for bentonite are in foundry sands, drilling muds, iron ore pelletizing and absorbents. Important applications are also in civil engineering for a variety of composite liners and as a food additive for poultry and domestic animals. (Special uses include filtration in food processing, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Bentonite is surface mined in the USA in these states; Wyoming, Montana, Texas, Arizona, California,and Florida.