EZ-MUD® GOLD clay and shale stabilizer provides inhibition of clay and shale formations in water-based drilling fluids without substantially increasing viscosity. EZ-MUD GOLD stabilizer; when added to a QUIK-GEL® or BORE-GEL® slurry; yields an inhibitive drilling fluid system while maintaining manageable and effective fluid properties. The unique beaded structure of EZ-MUD GOLD stabilizer allows the material to be mixed easily at minimal shear thereby eliminating the need for liquid emulsions. Applications/Functions: Can enhance rheological properties of a low-solids drilling mud; Can promote clay and shale stabilization to prevent swelling and/or dispersion; Can promote borehole stability in water sensitive formations; Can minimize rotational torque and circulating pressure; Can promote enhancement of air-foam system capabilities; Can enhance core recovery in continuous wireline coring operations. Advantages: NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certified; Unique physical structure allows for easy dispersion and mixing with minimal shear; Allows for use of increased concentrations to gain inhibition without excess viscosity production; No petroleum distillates present; Breaks down chemically with bleach (sodium hypochlorite); Compatible with other Baroid drilling fluid additives when added in proper sequence; Non-fermenting.