Nomenclature
Bolus alba; China clay; porcelain clay; white bole; argilla. Description and references
Essentially a hydrated aluminum silicate, approximately
H2Al2Si2O8.H2O. Prepared for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes by levigating
with water to remove sand, etc.
Properties
White or yellowish-white, earthy mass or white
powder; unctuous when moist. Insol in water, cold acids or in alkali
hydroxides.Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure
are chronic pulmonary fibrosis, stomach granuloma. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 182.Use
Manuf porcelain, pottery, bricks, Portland cement;
ultramarine, color lakes, refractory mortar; plaster material, filler
for paper; electric and heat insulators; clarifying liquids; drying
and emollient agent.
Therapeutic Category
Adsorbent.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Topical and G.I. adsorbent. Poultice.