Abstract: Aqueous hydrides including a metal, a metal hydroxide and water and a method of manufacture therefor are provided. The method includes a reaction which does not require precise stoichiometric proportions of metal, alkali hydroxide and water. The specific gravity of the reaction mixture is monitored and adjusted where appropriate during the reaction process. Temperature and rate of reaction are controlled to prevent formation of silicates. Aqueous by, rises produced in accordance with the invention exhibit polymer characteristics and are suitable for use as coatings, reducing viscosity, sequestering agents, emulsion agents, surfactants, detergents and the like.