The contact that this mud has with volcanic gases and minerals from the centre of the earth is the reason that it is particularly rich in minerals. Ordinary clay and mud contain some minerals but because of its’ volcanic origin, Rotorua Mud is far richer in these properties. Major minerals present in Rotorua Mud include silica, magnesium, calcium, titanium, iron, sulphur, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. In addition, there are also trace elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt and manganese.