Zeolite

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Zeolite from a garden shop

Zeolites are a group of microporous aluminosilicate minerals, widely used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts.

Molecular sieves, made from synthetic zeolites, are sometimes referred to as simply "zeolites", and while they're very similar in properties, they are not the same, molecular sieves being artificially created.

Properties

Zeolites are light-colored minerals, usually white or grey. They display high porosity, which makes them useful in adsorbtion processes.

Zeolites are attacked by strong acids and bases.

Availability

Powdered zeolite can be purchased from gardening stores, or sometimes even from natural product shops.

It can also be purchased online.

Projects

  • Adsorbant material
  • Molecular sieves
  • Catalysts and catalyst support
  • Gardening

Handling

Safety

Powdered zeolite may irritate the lungs if ingested.

Storage

In closed containers or bags.

Disposal

No special disposal is required. Discard it as you wish.

See also

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads