zeolite

zeolite

Any member of a family of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals that have a framework structure enclosing interconnected cavities occupied by large metal cations (positively charged ions)—generally sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium—and water molecules. The ease of movement of ions and water within the framework allows reversible dehydration and cation exchange, properties that are exploited in water softeners and molecular sieves for pollution control, among other uses.

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zeolite [′zē·ə‚līt]

(mineralogy)

A group of white or colorless, sometimes red or yellow, hydrous tectosilicate minerals characterized by an aluminosilicate tetrahedral framework, ion-exchangeable large cations, and loosely held water molecules permitting reversible dehydration.

Any mineral of the zeolite group, such as analcime, chabazite, natrolite, and stilbite.

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zeolite

A coarse-grained chemical compound used in water-softening equipment; consists of a greenish granular material containing iron (up to 25%), a large percentage of silica, and some alumina and potash.