The mineral known as "zeolite" or "zeolites" has many different chemical elements in its composition. In general, zeolites are aluminosilicate minerals that can carry water in their crystalline structure and have the formula M2/nO.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O.
Formula
The formula for zeolite stands in for these ratios: M can be any one of a number of metals, including sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The variable "n" stands for the valence of the metal cation, and "y" for the number of water molecules in the structure of zeolite, according to the Research Foundation at State University of New York (SUNY). A zeolite will have at least one silicon atom for every aluminum atom, as the Abbey Newsletter describes.
Features
Heat causes zeolites to let go of their water molecules and pick up other molecules from their environment through the process of adsorption, not to be confused with absorption. The structure of zeolite targets molecules of particular diameters, according to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Adsorbence
Zeolites have a high capacity for adsorption. UCSD defines adsorption as the process by which molecules bind to a surface. Molecules with a strong taste or odor bind strongly to adsorbent surfaces.
Function
Many industrial and home applications exist for zeolites. Laundry detergents, for instance, use large quantities of zeolite minerals for their ability to soften water. Because zeolites adsorb odorous and polluting compounds, their applications range from home cleaning to nuclear waste treatment.
Fun Fact
Most zeolites used in commercial applications have been synthesized, as natural zeolites usually appear already bound to other metals and minerals.
About the Author
Eri Luxton holds a B.A. in liberal arts, an M.F.A. in creative writing, a first aid certification and a biomedical ethics certificate. She has worked as an English teacher overseas and as a local volunteer in first aid and in technology troubleshooting. Luxton mentors students in chemistry and physics while studying toward a pre-health sciences degree.