Re: zeolites

[martha@baervan.nmt.edu (Martha Cather)]

Zeolites are a useful group of minerals called Tectosilicates.  They
are built on frameworks of AlO4 and SiO4 just like feldspars.  But
unlike feldspars, zeolites are built on an open plan, with large
interconnecting spaces.  They can occur with either fibrous (chain)
structure, platy (sheet) structure, or equant framewprk structure.

Zeolites are hydrous, often containing large amounts of non-structural
H2O in those holes in their structure.  As a zeolite is heated, water
is given off easily and continuously.  After it is dehydrated, the
channels or holes can be filled again with water or a variety of
substances. They are also used for ion exchange as Na or Ca ions
within the silicate structure can be easily exchanged.

This is your mineralogy lesson for the day.

Martha in NM              email: martha@baervan.nmt.edu

Martha Cather
Petroleum Recovery Research Center
NMIMT, Socorro, New Mexico