Montmorillonite is a type of clay mineral that belongs to the smectite group. It is primarily composed of layered silicate structures, which allow it to absorb water and expand significantly. This property makes it useful in various applications, including drilling fluids, cat litter, and as a thickening agent in cosmetics. Found in many parts of the world, Montmorillonite is often formed from the weathering of volcanic ash. Its unique characteristics also make it valuable in agriculture, where it improves soil quality and water retention. Additionally, it has applications in environmental remediation due to its ability to adsorb contaminants.