Open Adit™ - Zeolite Group Datasheet

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The zeolites form a large family of hydrous silicates which show close similarities in composition and in their associations and mode of occurrence. Aluminosilicate minerals such as chabazite, goosecreekite, heulandite, laumonite scolecite & stilbite with a unique interconnecting lattice structure. This lattice structure is arranged to form a honeycomb framework of consistent diameter interconnecting channels and pores. Negatively charged alumina and neutrally charged silica tetrahedral building blocks are stacked to produce the open three-dimensional honeycomb framework. Zeolites actually attract odors & gases and trap them in its crystalline structure. They are secondary minerals found typically in cavitiies and veins in basic igneous rocks. The zeolite group is compromised of about 45 species.

Chemistry:

The main zeolite formula is M^2/nO.Al₂O₃.xSiO₂.yH₂O, with M defining the compensating cation with valence n. The structural component is M^x/n[(AlO₂)x(SiO₂)y].zH₂O, with the general structure as arrangements of tetrahedra in building units from ring structures to polyhedra.

Class:

Silicates

Subclass:

Nesosilicates

Group:

Zeolite Group

Varieties:

Analcime, Chabazite, Gismondine, Harmotome, Heulandite, Natrolite, Scolecite, Stilbite

Crystal:

Various

Heulandite Gallery

Scolecite Gallery