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Characteristics of Colloids
Liquid colloidal particles are too small to be observed directly with a microscope, but are still larger than molecules. It is difficult to provide a precise estimate of the range of dimensions of a colloid, but they usually measure between 10^-7 to 10^-5 cm in size. When a substance is divided into tiny colloidal particles and dispersed through another substance, the mixture is called a colloidal solution, colloidal system, or a colloidal dispersion.
Colloid Classification
Colloids are classified by their liquid, solid and gaseous phase in which they are dispersed through a medium. When a colloidal liquid is dispersed within a gas, it forms an aerosol. It can be dispersed within another liquid to form an emulsion. Finally, it can be dispersed within a solid to form a gel.
Example of Liquid Colloids
Examples of liquid colloids dispersed within a gas include soap lather, whipped cream, froth, fogs, clouds and aerosol sprays, such as hair spray. Liquid colloids dispersed within other liquids include milks, blood, mayonnaise and cod liver oil. Liquid colloids dispersed within solids include butter, cheeses, jellies, paint, gum and muddy water.
Health Applications
Liquid colloids have been used as a health supplement since at least the 1920s, when Thomas Clark, a native of Utah, was unwell and was prescribed medicinal waters by a native Indian shaman. He promptly made a full recovery and after researching the properties of the water, he realized that it was the minerals in the water that had benefited him. Liquid colloids used in health applications include widely accepted supplements such as cod liver oil and more controversial alternative medicines such as liquid colloidal silver, which purportedly helped in the treatment of a number of conditions, including acne, Lyme's disease and skin cancer, and liquid colloidal diamond, which claimed success against ulcers, low blood pressure and constipation.