It belongs to the group of sedimentary minerals of volcanic origin, having many structural species. The following natural zeolites are most common: lomonite, erionite, ferrierite, chabazite and some others. From a chemistry point of view, zeolites are non-stoichiometric crystalline compounds. The unique properties of the mineral are completely determined by the internal structure - the tetrahedra of aluminum and silicon oxides combined with their 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 centuries, people added zeolite-containing rocks to food, guessing about the healing power of minerals. Centuries ago, farmers noticed that the harvest is richer on lands with zeolite deposits.
Until recently, industrial extraction of natural zeolite was not carried out, synthesized minerals were used - artificial zeolites. 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 adsorbing ability, absorbing all kinds of gases and liquids.
Scientists have launched research on the biological, physical, chemical properties of these minerals for industrial use. In the food and agricultural industries, zeolites are used to produce environmentally friendly products. The main areas of application of zeolite:
- in animal husbandry, poultry farming as a feed additive in the production of animal feed, deodorizing livestock buildings;
- as a filter element in the organization of drinking water purification systems;
- for the adsorption of toxic substances;
- in the treatment of industrial effluents;
- in industry - the production of concrete, cement, rubber, plastic, paper, cardboard;
- in medicine as hemosorbents and other sorption technologies.
The global production of zeolites is growing annually by 20-25%. Processing of zeolite on an industrial scale is carried out at all mineral deposits. Moreover, only part of the deposits produce 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.