Attapulgite clay was evaluated as adsorbent in palm oil refining with different dosages of degumming agent (phosphoric acid). Its adsorption of trace metals (iron and phosphorus), chlorophyll pigment and primary and secondary oxidation products, was compared with that by a commercial bleaching clay. Attapulgite clay showed its potential as adsorbent for refining palm oil. Commercial acid-activated clay W and attapulgite clay A responded differently to increase concentration of phosphoric acid during degumming. There was a direct correlation between the iron content and concentration of phosphoric acid. The results of the study are relevant to the earths with the properties shown in this paper and may differ from those of other clays. It is clear from the study that the efficiency of adsorption maybe not necessarily be related to the acid activation of the clay.