The mineral was first described in 1980 by Shulamit Gross for an occurrence in the Hatrurim Formation of Danian age along the western margin of the Dead Sea, Israel.

[2][3] The only naturally occurring bentorite that has been discovered is in the Hatrurim Formation near the Dead Sea in Israel.

The original sediments were enriched in chromium, and later experienced heating to >1000 °C at atmospheric pressure.

The source of the heat is thought to be due to combustion of coal, oil, or gas.

Following this combustion metamorphosis, highly alkaline fluids penetrated and altered the rock to form supergene veins of bentorite.