Natural Zeolite: Properties, Features, Industrial Use

Zeolite belongs to a group of sedimentary minerals of volcanic origin, having a variety of structural species. The most common are the following natural zeolites: lomonite, erionite, ferrierite, chabazite and some others. From the point of view of chemistry, zeolites are non-stoichiometric compounds of the crystal structure. The unique properties of the mineral are entirely due to the internal structure - the tetrahedra of aluminum and silicon oxides combined with the vertices form numerous channels filled with water molecules and positively charged particles.

Qualitative characteristics of zeolites have been known for hundreds of years. In ancient times people added zeolite-containing rocks to their food, guessing about the healing power of minerals. Centuries ago, farmers noticed that the harvest is richer in lands with zeolite deposits.

Until recently, industrial extraction of natural zeolite was not conducted, synthesized minerals - artificial zeolites were used. The use of zeolites is based on the chemical and physical properties of the mineral. First of all, it is a natural adsorbent. In the process of dehydration, the mineral turns into a microporous object, with a system of internal cavities into which molecules of organic and inorganic compounds can penetrate. It has a large adsorptive capacity, absorbing all kinds of gases and liquids.

Scientists have launched scientific studies of the biological, physical, chemical properties of these minerals for industrial use. In the food and agricultural industry zeolites are used for the production of environmentally friendly products. The main applications of zeolite are:

• In animal husbandry, poultry farming as a feed additive in the production of mixed fodders, deodorizing premises for keeping livestock;
• As a filter element in the organization of drinking water purification systems;
• For the adsorption of toxic substances;
• In the purification of industrial wastewater;
• In industry - the production of concrete, cement, rubber, plastic, paper, cardboard;
• In medicine as hemosorbents and other sorption technologies.

The world production of zeolites annually grows by 20-25%. The processing of zeolite on an industrial scale is carried out on all deposits of minerals. At the same time, only a part of the deposits produce a rock with an active component content of about 60%. Basically, this figure does not rise above 50%. Thus, the use of zeolite-containing minerals in various industries is determined by the efficiency of obtaining a large percentage of the active component.