Abstract: A granulated absorbent material comprises cement, a clay preferably comprising sodium bentonite and an aggregate together with water, the weight ratio of cement to the total of the aggregate being in the range of 55:45 to 65:35, the ratio of clay to water being such that a mixture thereof has a viscosity in the range of 15-25 centipoises at 20.degree. C., and the quantity of water being in the range of 60-120% by weight of the dry constituents. The method of preparing the absorbent material comprises forming a paste of the constituents, hardening and drying the composition, and forming particles of the composition before, during or after hardening and drying.