Gelled hydration medium

A kit of parts comprising:

• (a) a first container comprising a thixotropic aqueous gel comprising 1-4 wt. % of disc-shaped smectite clay nanoparticles having two opposing flat surfaces that are negatively charged and a rim that is positively charged;
• and
• (b) a second container comprising an aqueous liquid comprising 0.001-30 M of one or more destabilizing agents selected from acidulants, dissolved metal cations and dissolved ammonium cations.

A method of preparing a gelled hydration medium, the method comprising mixing:

• (a) a thixotropic aqueous gel comprising 1-4 wt. % of disc-shaped smectite clay nanoparticles having two opposing flat surfaces that are negatively charged and a rim that is positively charged;
• and
• (b) an aqueous liquid comprising 0.001-30 M of one or more destabilizing agents selected from acidulants, dissolved metal cations and dissolved ammonium cations.