EXHIBIT 23

                        Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



The Board of Directors
AMCOL International

We consent to  incorporation  by reference in the  registration  statements Nos.
33-34109,  33-55540, and 33-73350 on Form S-8 of AMCOL International Corporation
of our report dated March 8, 1996,  relating to the consolidated  balance sheets
of AMCOL International  Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and
1994, and the related  schedule for each of the years in the  three-year  period
ended  December  31, 1995,  which report  appeas in the December 31, 1995 annual
report on Form 10-K of AMCOL International Corporation

                                   /s/  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 22, 1996