What are zeolites?
A. Natural zeolites form in nature as a result of a chemical reaction between volcanic lava and saline water. Zeolites have large open spaces or cages in their structures that form channels. These channels allow the easy movement of ions and molecules into and out of the structure. This ability puts zeolites in the class of materials known as “molecular sieves.” There are about 40 naturally occurring zeolites and over 100 synthetic zeolites. There are three different classes of zeolites with varying molecular chemical structures: * Chain-like structures whose minerals form acicular, or needle-like, prismatic crystals – as found in asbestos. * Framework structures where the crystals are more equal in dimensions – as found in chabazite. * Sheet-like structures where the crystals are flattened – as found in clinoptilolite. Another unique and important fact about zeolites is that they are one of the few negatively charged minerals found in nature. The natural properties of zeolites act as
