What are zeolites?
Scientists discovered these unique rock minerals in 1756, sparking a great interest in their properties. Zeolites are highly crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates. When dehydrated, they develop a porous structure with minimum pore diameters of 3 to 10 angstroms in ideal crystals. Due to their special properties, zeolites are used for various applications including water filtration, human and animal feed supplements, fertilizers, cat litter, raw materials, and construction. Notably, large deposits in Cuba led to zeolites being nicknamed «magic rock.»
Zeolites are aluminosilicate minerals with cavities that allow ion exchange and dehydration due to freely moving large ions and water molecules.
What are the applications of zeolite?
Zeolite for water filtration
A high-quality zeolite filter has a filtration area ten times greater than a conventional filter, so it traps particles between its grains and cavities, filtering particles down to one micron.
Sand and anthracite rely solely on mechanical filtration between their grains. Zeolite, on the other hand, excels due to its high electrostatic charge. This charge allows zeolite to perform two key functions: trapping microparticles up to one micron and colloids on its surface, and permanently absorbing ions like iron and manganese. Additionally, zeolite’s high electronegativity grants it ion exchange capacity. This means zeolite can swap sodium ions for calcium, magnesium, and ammonium ions. Learn more about zeolite filters here.
Zeolite filters for swimming pools
Zeolite traps particles (down to 3 microns) that reduce clarifier needs and chlorine efficiency. It also absorbs ammonia, preventing chloramines, resulting in up to 25% less chemical use.
Zeolite for air filtration
Zeolite filters separate oxygen from nitrogen in generators, providing patients with highly purified air.
Zeolite’s high porosity allows it to selectively trap fluid particles based on molecule size. For oxygen concentrators, zeolite traps nitrogen particles through the micropores of this mineral, resulting in high-quality purified air.
Zeolite for human consumption
Since its discovery, zeolite has been studied for human and animal health benefits. These natural minerals capture heavy metals or protect against mycotoxins, but purity and pore size limitations hinder full market adoption.
Zeolite for animal nutrition
Thanks to its ion exchange capacity and microporous qualities, zeolite has been studied to absorb toxins, eliminate odors, optimize performance and improve egg quality. In addition, they are used to counteract the negative effects of mycotoxins, animal diarrhea syndromes, milk fever and reduce skeletal deformities.
Zeolite as a fertilizer
One of the most common problems with the use of fertilizers is their volatilization and leaching, losing up to 40% of the applied fertilizer, causing significant economic losses. In fact, the use of zeolite fertilizers has helped to prevent degradation, soil wear and tear, as well as the loss of organic matter; problems that cause a reduction in production rates, an increase in the presence of pests and diseases related to poor crop nutrition.
Where to buy zeolites?
For raw material, water treatment, animal nutrition, and other industrial applications, you can quote the purchase of zeolite with Zeomex, the experts in this mineral, here.
At Zeomex we are a company with more than 16 years of experience in the production and purification of zeolite, as well as in the manufacture and marketing of specialized products based on this mineral.
