A freshwater sponge of the genus Spongilla, sometimes used in traditional medicine and cosmetics for its abrasive properties.
From Russian 'badyaga,' borrowed from Turkic origins. The sponge was traditionally used in Russia and Eastern Europe, and the name traveled with its use.
Badiaga sponges are made of silica, the same material as glass and sand—when dried and powdered, they're so abrasive they were historically used to treat bruises, and modern spas still use them in exfoliating products!
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