| Zeolites are micro porous minerals which are formed by the
devitrification of volcanic ash over millions of years.
The molecular structure of the ash is slowly transformed,
under the right geological conditions, into the regular
crystalline structure which gives zeolites their unique characteristics. |
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| There are many types of natural zeolite, but they all have a similar structure
and share roughly the same physical and chemical properties,
although there are differences between the different types of zeolite. |
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| All zeolites have a three dimensional 'cage-like' structure which contains
channels of a specific diameter. This framework is made of SiO4
and AlO4 tetrahedra in slightly differing configurations which
correspond to the specific types of zeolite. |
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| There are about 50 different natural zeolite structures which have been identified,
each with a slightly different Si:Al:O ratio, and therefore a slightly different
pore size and ion exchange capacity. |
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| The aluminium atoms within the framework carry a negative charge
which gives the zeolite its natural ion exchange capacity, and
each individual negative charge is balanced by the presence of an interchangeable cation. |
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| The most commonly occuring cations are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
but many other elements can also be present at varying levels depending on how and
where the zeolite was formed. This mix of cations is different for every natural zeolite
deposit and it is an important characteristic of the zeolite. |
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| The most widely commercialised natural zeolite type is called clinoptilolite.
It has a high ion exchange capacity and porosity and is found in relatively pure form
in several different countries. The purest clinoptilolite ever found comes from Turkey and has a purity
of between 92 and 96%. |
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| Another favoured zeolite type is chabasite which has an even higher ion exchange capacity
and larger pore size, but it is much less common than clinoptilolite and most chabasite deposits
have much lower purity. The purest chabasite deposits found in Europe are only around 60% pure. |
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| The combination of a rigid structure with high porosity and natural ion exchange capacity
is what gives zeolites such a wide range of potential uses. It is already widely used in
agriculture both as a soil additive and as an animal feed additive. |
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| It is also used in almost every possible water treatment application
from sewage treatment to swimming pool filters. Zeolite granules have been described
as "the worlds smallest water filter". There are many more potential uses which are
explained in detail on the Applications pages. |
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| There are therefore many different types of natural zeolite available and the quality of each
zeolite deposit is unique. Some zeolites are excellent for some applications but not
very good for others, and some zeolites are of such poor quality that they are of little use at all. |
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We are independent suppliers of natural zeolites and we work with producers of the
highest quality zeolites to provide our customers with the most suitable product for their
specific applications.
Consult our Products page for more information about the specific zeolites we supply. |
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