What Is Zeolite, How Many Types Are There, and What Are Its Uses?
Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral derived from aluminum silicate. Because of its high absorption capacity, it’s widely used as an adsorbent in different industries, including agriculture. There are around 40 types of zeolite found in nature, but only 9 of them are commonly available, such as Clinoptilolite, Mordenite, Laumontite, Ferrierite, and others. Each of these has distinct physical and chemical properties, which mainly come from differences in their crystal structures and chemical compositions. Among them, Clinoptilolite is the most important and widely used type, especially in agriculture, water purification, and cleaning products. Artificial (synthetic) zeolites are also common in industry, and around 150 different types have been produced so far.
Zeolite Specifications
- Zeolite Chemical formula: (Na,K,Ca)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36·12H2O (Clinoptilolite)
- Packing: 25 KG Bag – Bulk
- Crystal structure: Monoclinic
- Type of mineral group: Tectosilicates (alkaline)
- Hardness level: 3.5- 5.5
- Volumetric mass: 2 – 2.4 gr/cm2
- Density: 2 – 2.4 g/cm³
Natural (Mineral)
This element is a mineral derived from aluminum silicate. Due to its high absorption, widely used as an adsorbent in various industries including agriculture. Zeolites exist in nature in about 40 different types, but only 9 of them are abundant in nature, such as Clinoptilolite ، Mordenite ، Laumontite ، Ferrierite and etc.
The physical and chemical properties of these mineral elements are quite different and this difference comes from the crystalline structure of their chemical composition. Clinoptilolite is the most important and widely used zeolite in agriculture and other industries such as water treatment and cleaners.
Synthetic zeolite
These zeolites are also widely used in industry and have produced 150 of them. Synthetic zeolites resolved many of the disadvantages of natural zeolites such as uneven pore size, high impurities, inadequate pore size, inadequate PH (acidity), etc.
These major changes have led to a great tendency to replace natural zeolites with synthetic zeolites used in various industries, especially agricultural and chemical industries. Synthetic zeolites are divided into 4 categories according to the number of rings and the size of the cavities:
- with small holes: 8 loops cavity with 3 – 4.5 angstroms in size such as Zeolite A
- with Medium holes: 10 loops cavity with 4.5 – 6 angstroms in size such as Zeolite ZSM-5
- with Large holes: 10 loops cavity with 4.5 – 6 angstroms in size such as Zeolite X
- with very large holes: 14 loops cavity
Zeolite in Agriculture
Because zeolite contains a wide range of important elements such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, sodium, and magnesium, it works both as a slow-release fertilizer and as a feed additive for livestock and poultry. Thanks to its absorbent nature, it’s even used as flooring material in poultry houses. Its ionic and chemical structure also allows it to act as a carrier, helping transfer nutrients in the soil to plants.
Environmental Benefits of Zeolite
Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and absorbing toxins
Zeolite can store nutrients like potassium and calcium and gradually release them to plants, which reduces the need for constant chemical fertilization. It can also absorb heavy metals and toxic elements such as cadmium and lead, keeping them out of the plant food chain. This improves crop quality and lowers the risk of toxins building up in food for both humans and animals.
Preventing soil and groundwater contamination
Since zeolite can trap chemicals and heavy metals, it helps stop them from leaching into deeper soil layers and polluting groundwater. By keeping moisture in and improving soil structure, it also reduces erosion caused by heavy rain or drought.
Zeolite as a Molecular Sieve
Zeolite is used to produce purified oxygen from air. It works by trapping impurities—especially nitrogen—so that the remaining gas is highly concentrated oxygen, with around 5% argon.
Main Role of Zeolite in Soil
Zeolite helps retain moisture in dry regions, captures toxic elements, and supports nutrient ion exchange. When added to animal feed, it not only serves as a supplement but also improves the quality of manure—making it less likely to contain parasite eggs or weed seeds, drier, and easier to handle.
Raw zeolite generally stays effective for about 7 days in the soil, but if heat-treated (e.g., with steam), its effectiveness can last up to 60 days. Claims that it lasts forever aren’t backed by science—reapplication is recommended every year.
Applications in Agriculture
Zeolite is promoted for improving product quality, increasing yield, extending storage life, and boosting vitamin content. While it can help in many of these areas, some claims are just marketing, and farmers shouldn’t expect dramatic results in every case.
Comparison with Other Soil Amendments
| Property | Zeolite | Perlite | Vermiculite | Cocopeat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very high | High | High | Low (biodegradable) |
| Water retention | High | Medium | High | Very high |
| Ion exchange | Very strong | None | Medium | Weak |
Uses and Hazardous of Synthetic
Synthetic zeo-lite causes the high abnormal growth of aquatic plants. This abnormal growth reduces the oxygen level in the water and destroys other aquatic life.
Petrochemical refineries also have significant demand for zeolite molecular screeners for adsorption. Synthetic Zeolites Increase Demand for Catalytic Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) in Petrochemical Refineries.
Iranian Zeolite
There are many zeolite mines in Iran that produce one of the highest quality products in the world. Semnan province is one of the richest centers of production and extraction of this mineral. The existence of mineral quality veins has caused Semnan to become one of the hubs of Iran’s mining industry.
Zeolite is highly recommended for improving soil structure, retaining moisture, and supporting nutrient exchange. But like any soil amendment, it’s best used based on expert agricultural advice, not just marketing claims.
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