From left to right: Cliptonilolite ore, zeolite for soil improvement, tetrahedral framework (red: oxygen, orange: absorbed cation, grey: Si or Al at Si/Al~ 4) | Various sources 

Clinoptilolite is the principal natural zeolite ore used commercially, valued for its high cation‑exchange capacity, thermal stability, and benign toxicity profile.

Identity and composition:

• Mineral type: Natural zeolite, tectosilicate aluminosilicate.

• Typical formula: (Na,K,Ca)₂₋₃Al₃(Al,Si)₂Si₁₃O₃₆ ⋅ 12H₂O (variable Na/K/Ca content and Si/Al ratio).

• Key physical traits: Microporous framework, high internal surface area, strong selectivity for NH₄⁺ and some heavy‑metal cations, stable up to ~600–700 °C.

Read the detailed cliptonilolite profile here.

#cliptonilolite  #aluminosilicate  #tectosilicate  #microporousframework  #zeolite