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Send EmailZeolite, Clinoptilolite, Aluminum Silicate, 1318-02-1, 69912-79-4
ZEOLITE (CLINOPTILOLITE)
1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Hydrated Aluminosilicate of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metals |
| Common Name | Zeolite, Clinoptilolite |
| CAS Number | 1318-02-1 (general zeolite); 69912-79-4 (clinoptilolite specific) |
| Chemical Class | Natural Microporous Mineral (Tectosilicate) |
| Appearance | Pale green to greyish-white powder, granules, or pellets |
| Odour | Odourless |
Note: Zeolites are a group of naturally occurring, three-dimensional, crystalline, microporous aluminosilicate minerals. Among over 50 natural zeolite types, Clinoptilolite, belonging to the Heulandite group, is the most abundant, commercially valuable, and industrially utilized form, accounting for approximately 90% of global natural zeolite production. It possesses a unique cage-like structure that imparts a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), exceptional adsorption properties, and the ability to reversibly lose and regain water. It is widely used in water treatment, agriculture, animal feed, construction, and industrial purification.
2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Physical form | Pale green to greyish-white powder, free-flowing granules, or extruded pellets |
| Bulk density | 2150 – 2250 kg/m³ |
| Porosity | Up to 50% of the total volume |
| Heat resistance | Stable up to 1200 °C |
| Water absorption capacity | 95 – 135 g/100 g (can hold up to 40% of its weight) |
| Oil absorption capacity | 66 – 72 cm³/100 g |
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | 1.5 – 2.1 meq/100 g |
| pH (aqueous suspension) | 7 – 9 (neutral to mildly alkaline) |
| Whiteness | 85.7 – 90.7% |
| Pore diameter | ~4 Ångstrom (0.4 nm) |
| Si/Al ratio | Determines ion exchange capacity and thermal stability |
3. TYPICAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (Clinoptilolite)
| Component | Average Content (%) |
|---|---|
| SiO₂ | 69.95 |
| Al₂O₃ | 11.00 |
| Fe₂O₃ | 0.99 |
| CaO | 1.99 |
| MgO | 0.67 |
| Na₂O | 2.69 |
| K₂O | 0.04 |
| LOI (Loss on Ignition) | 9.42 |
4. CLINOPTILOLITE TYPES AND CATION SPECIFICITY
The specific cation present in the exchangeable sites determines the targeted application. During cation exchange, these resident cations are replaced by more preferred cations like heavy metals, ammonium, and toxins.
| Type | Dominant Exchangeable Cation | Key Function / Application |
|---|---|---|
| Clinoptilolite-K | Potassium (K⁺) | Heavy metal and ammonium binding |
| Clinoptilolite-Na | Sodium (Na⁺) | Toxin and gas adsorption |
| Clinoptilolite-Ca | Calcium (Ca²⁺) | Radioactive ion (Cs⁺, Sr²⁺) capture |
5. FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION
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Ion Exchange (Cation Exchange Capacity - CEC): The naturally negative charge of the aluminosilicate framework is balanced by loosely held, exchangeable cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) that reside within the pores. These are readily exchanged for higher-affinity, positively charged species in solution, most notably ammonium (NH₄⁺), heavy metals (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺), and radioactive cesium (Cs⁺) and strontium (Sr²⁺). This is the fundamental mechanism for water purification, ammonia removal, and toxin binding.
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Selective Adsorption and Molecular Sieving: The precisely defined pore diameter (~4 Å) acts as a molecular sieve, physically trapping molecules small enough to enter the pore structure. It exhibits a high selectivity for polar and cationic molecules like ammonium and water, while excluding larger molecules like vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients. This ensures its safe use as a feed additive without binding essential dietary components.
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Reversible Hydration and Desiccation: The porous structure can absorb and retain up to 40% of its weight in water, acting as a natural desiccant and moisture buffer. This water is readily released back into the environment, providing a moisture reservoir for plant roots and controlling humidity in litter and packaging applications.
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Ammonia and Odor Control: By rapidly exchanging and binding ammonium ions (NH₄⁺), it effectively scavenges the primary source of noxious ammonia (NH₃) gas from animal waste, preventing its release into the air and reducing odor, respiratory stress, and environmental pollution.
6. SECTORAL APPLICATIONS AND USAGE RATES
| Sector | Application | Typical Usage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Treatment | Removal of ammonium, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn), radioactive elements (Cs, Sr); mechanical filtration >4 microns; biological filtration support | Filtration media: 0.5–2 mm granules; Wastewater: 1–10 g/L; Aquaculture: 1–5 kg/m³ filter bed |
| Animal Feed Additive | Mycotoxin (aflatoxin) binder, ammonium scavenger, digestive aid, anti-caking agent | 1–3% of feed ration; only Clinoptilolite is approved under EU and Turkish feed regulations |
| Pet Litter & Animal Bedding | Ammonia and moisture absorption, odor control | Used neat or as a blend in cat litter; 3-5 cm layer in poultry/barn bedding |
| Agriculture & Soil Amendment | Slow-release fertilizer carrier, water retention enhancer, soil conditioner, heavy metal immobilizer | 100–500 kg/ha (soil incorporation); 5–10% in compost blends |
| Construction & Building Materials | Pozzolanic additive for high-performance concrete; sorbent in ecological paints and plasters | 10–30% cement replacement; reduces CO₂ emissions and improves durability |
| Industrial & Gas Purification | Adsorption of SO₂, NOx, H₂S, CO₂; biogas purification; industrial spill absorbent | 5–20% in scrubber systems; applied directly as a spill absorbent |
| Cosmetics & Healthcare | Detoxifying agent in face masks, soaps, and body creams; natural deodorant | 1–10% in cosmetic formulations |
| Road De-icing | Environmentally friendly alternative to salt for icy roads | Applied directly to surfaces |
7. TYPES OF ZEOLITES
| Type | Category | Key Characteristics / Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Clinoptilolite | Natural | Most abundant; water treatment, feed additive, agriculture, construction |
| Mordenite | Natural | High Si/Al ratio; petrochemical and gas separation |
| Heulandite | Natural | Agriculture and environmental applications |
| Chabazite | Natural | CO₂ adsorption, gas separation |
| Zeolite A | Synthetic | Detergent builder, water softening |
| Zeolite X & Y | Synthetic | Petrochemical FCC catalysts |
| ZSM-5 | Synthetic | High-temperature catalysis, aromatic production |
8. ALTERNATIVES AND COMPARISON
| Application Area | Alternative Material | Comparison with Zeolite |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonium Removal (Water) | Activated Carbon, Bentonite | Zeolite has a higher selective ion exchange capacity for NH₄⁺. Activated carbon is better for organic contaminants. |
| Mycotoxin Binder (Feed) | Bentonite (Montmorillonite) | Both are approved and effective. Zeolite offers the added benefit of ammonium control. |
| Soil Conditioner | Perlite, Vermiculite | All improve aeration and water retention. Zeolite uniquely adds nutrient-holding CEC to the soil. |
| Pozzolanic Additive (Concrete) | Fly Ash, Silica Fume | Zeolite is a natural, high-performance pozzolan that also controls alkali-silica reaction (ASR). |
| Moisture Absorber (Desiccant) | Silica Gel, Clay | Zeolite is effective and non-toxic, suitable for a wide range of humidity levels. |
9. SAFETY, STORAGE, AND REGULATORY INFORMATION
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GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture. It is a 100% natural, non-toxic mineral.
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Safety Profile: Safe for human handling, animal consumption, and the environment. Provides no risk when used in pet litter or when ingested.
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Regulatory (Feed): Only the Clinoptilolite form of zeolite is approved by the European Union (EC 1831/2003) and Turkish feed regulations for use as a mycotoxin binder and feed additive.
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Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep containers tightly closed. The product is non-flammable and chemically inert.
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Quality Note: The market offers products with varying purity levels (50-95%). For technical and industrial applications, a minimum purity of 85%, ideally 90-95% clinoptilolite content, is recommended.
10. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Name | Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) |
| CAS | 1318-02-1 / 69912-79-4 |
| Chemical Family | Hydrated Aluminosilicate |
| Appearance | Pale green to greyish-white powder or granules |
| CEC | 1.5 – 2.1 meq/100 g |
| Water Absorption | Up to 40% of its own weight |
| Main Functions | Ion exchange, selective adsorption, molecular sieving, water retention |
| Key Benefit | A single, 100% natural mineral that purifies water, improves soil, protects animal health, and strengthens concrete |
This document contains all critical technical, safety, and application information for Zeolite (Clinoptilolite). If you need the Turkish version or a similar TDS for another material, please let me know.
ZEOLITE (CLINOPTILOLITE) – PRODUCT SIZES AND APPLICATION AREAS
1. GRANULAR PRODUCTS
| Size Range | Grade Description | Application Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 – 0.7 mm | Finest granule, sand-sized | Construction and building materials (concrete additive, plaster, mortar) |
| 0.7 – 1.6 mm | Special USGA-approved for turf applications | Soil conditioner, turf applications, water treatment (drinking and wastewater), animal bedding |
| 1.6 – 3 mm | Special for agriculture, cost-effective | Soil conditioner, fertilizer carrier, water treatment, animal bedding, cat litter |
| 3 – 5 mm | Popular for tree and landscaping applications | Soil conditioner, tree planting, landscaping, water treatment, animal bedding |
| 5 – 9 mm | Medium-sized granule | Water treatment (industrial filters), landscaping, drainage |
| 9 – 16 mm | Coarse granule | Water treatment, landscaping, large-scale filtration systems |
| 16 – 50 mm | Extra coarse granule | Water treatment, wastewater systems, barrier and fill applications |
| Pellet | Cylindrical form | Water treatment, aquarium filtration, feed additive (suitable flowability for premix blends) |
2. MICRONIZED POWDER PRODUCTS
Important Note: When purchasing micronized products, always request a particle size distribution analysis. Many suppliers in the market name their products based on Dv50 value. For example: A product with Dv50 = 100 microns may be 400 microns when measured at Dv90. In this document, products are named according to the Dv90 value.
| Product (Dv90) | Grade Description | Application Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 10 micron | Activated, enriched, finest powder | Medical and cosmetic products (face masks, toothpaste, baby powder, ointments) |
| 25 micron | Activated, very fine powder | Medical and cosmetic products, feed additive (fine powder premix), food supplement (subject to regulations) |
| 50 micron | Special for industrial applications | Medical and cosmetic products, paint and coating additive |
| 100 micron | Intermediate powder | Medical and cosmetic products, feed additive, filler material (plastics, paper, cardboard) |
| 200 micron | Fine powder | Medical and cosmetic products, feed additive, filler material, odor absorber |
| 300 micron | Medium powder | Feed additive (standard premix), industrial filler, rubber additive |
| 400 micron | Popular feed additive, cost-effective | Feed additive, filler material, construction materials, treatment (powder filtration) |
| 0 – 1 mm | Coarsest powder | Feed additive, filler material, construction materials, treatment, soil conditioner |
3. SIZE SELECTION TABLE BY SECTOR / APPLICATION
| Sector / Application | Recommended Size Range |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Treatment | Granular: 0.7 – 1.6 mm / 1.6 – 3 mm |
| Wastewater Treatment | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm / 5 – 9 mm / Powder: 0 – 1 mm |
| Aquarium / Aquaculture | Granular: Pellet / 0.7 – 1.6 mm |
| Feed Additive | Powder: 25, 100, 200, 300, 400 micron / 0 – 1 mm / Granular: Pellet |
| Cat Litter | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm |
| Animal Bedding (Poultry, Livestock) | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm |
| Soil Conditioner / Agriculture | Granular: 0.7 – 1.6 mm (turf) / 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm (trees/landscaping) |
| Fertilizer Carrier | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm / Powder: 0 – 1 mm |
| Construction / Concrete Additive | Granular: 0.3 – 0.7 mm / Powder: 400 micron / 0 – 1 mm |
| Paint, Plaster, Mortar | Powder: 50, 100, 200 micron |
| Cosmetics / Medical | Powder: 10, 25, 50, 100 micron |
| Odor Absorber / Desiccant | Granular: 1.6 – 5 mm / Powder: 200, 300 micron |
| Plastic / Rubber Filler | Powder: 100, 200, 300 micron |
| Paper / Cardboard Additive | Powder: 100, 200 micron |
| Biogas Purification | Granular: 3 – 5 mm / 5 – 9 mm |
| Radioactive Waste Treatment | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm |
| Industrial Spill Absorbent | Granular: 1.6 – 3 mm / 3 – 5 mm |
4. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Capacity | Suitable Product Types |
|---|---|---|
| PP Bag | 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg | All micronized powder and granular products |
| Big Bag | 500 kg, 650 kg, 800 kg, 1000 kg (1 ton) | All products |
| Bucket | 10 kg, 15 kg, 20 kg | Micronized powders (especially cosmetic and medical grades) |
| Bulk | Silo tanker / open truck | Granular products (for large-scale projects) |
5. PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR SELECTING THE CORRECT SIZE
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When deciding between powder and granules:
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Powder products provide higher surface area and faster reaction/ion exchange, but carry a dusting risk.
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Granular products are easier to handle, dust-free, and provide better flow in filtration systems.
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Selection by application:
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For filtration systems, granular products (0.7 – 16 mm) should be preferred.
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For feed and food supplements, fine powders (25 – 100 microns) provide better blend homogeneity.
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For soil applications, granular products (1.6 – 5 mm) optimize soil incorporation and long-term effects.
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For cosmetics, the finest powders (10 – 50 microns) provide a smooth texture and effective application.
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Always request a particle size distribution analysis:
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Evaluate the true fineness of the product by comparing Dv50 and Dv90 values.
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Contact your supplier for custom size requirements.
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ZEOLITE (CLINOPTILOLITE) – ALTERNATIVES AND APPLICATION AREAS COMPARISON TABLE
This table shows the functions of zeolite in different sectors, the alternative materials that can substitute for these functions, and the technical suitability status of each alternative compared to zeolite.
Suitability Legend:
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High Suitability: Performs the function of zeolite in a technically equivalent or superior manner.
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Medium Suitability: Partially performs the function; shows limited effectiveness in some processes.
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Low Suitability: Does not fulfill the technical function of zeolite; provides only a physical contribution.
1. WATER TREATMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonium (NH₄⁺) Removal | Activated Carbon | Medium | Excellent for organic pollutants and chlorine; zeolite is more selective for ammonium. |
| Bentonite | Low | High swelling capacity; ion exchange is limited. | |
| Non-Clinoptilolite Zeolites | High | Efficacy varies among natural zeolite types; clinoptilolite is the most effective. | |
| Heavy Metal Scavenger (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) | Activated Carbon | High | Large surface area; effective for Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Zeolite captures a wider range of metals. |
| Bentonite | Medium | Limited metal binding capacity; mainly physical adsorption. | |
| Perlite | Low | Acts only as a physical filter; provides no chemical binding. | |
| Synthetic Ion Exchange Resins | High | Customized ion selectivity; much higher cost compared to zeolite. | |
| Phosphate and Nitrate Removal | Iron Hydroxide | Medium | Effective for phosphate; limited nitrate removal. |
| PAC (Polyaluminum Chloride) | Medium | Effective as a coagulant; does not perform ion exchange. | |
| Lanthanum-Based Filters | High | High selectivity for phosphate; expensive. | |
| Radioactive Ion Scavenger (Cs⁺, Sr²⁺) | Prussian Blue | High | Very effective for cesium; limited for strontium. |
| Titanium Silicate | High | Synthetic, high selectivity; expensive. | |
| Synthetic Ion Exchangers | High | Designed for specific applications; zeolite is more economical. |
2. AGRICULTURE AND SOIL CONDITIONING
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Retainer and Soil Conditioner | Perlite | High | Excellent aeration and water retention; has no CEC. |
| Vermiculite | High | Provides water retention and aeration; CEC is lower than zeolite. | |
| Bentonite | Medium | High water retention capacity; risk of excessive swelling in soil. | |
| Biochar | High | Carbon-based; supports microbial activity; moderate CEC. | |
| Fertilizer Carrier (Slow Release) | Leonardite | Medium | Source of organic matter and humic acid; no ion exchange. |
| Humic Acid | Medium | Improves soil structure; nutrient retention is lower than zeolite. | |
| Zeoponic Blends | High | Zeolite-based specialty blends; high performance. | |
| Heavy Metal Binder (Soil Remediation) | Bentonite (Montmorillonite) | Medium | Has toxin-binding capacity; not as selective as zeolite. |
| Activated Carbon | High | Broad-spectrum adsorption; high cost. | |
| Organic Matter Additives (Compost) | Medium | Improves soil quality; does not directly bind metals. |
3. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FEED ADDITIVE
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mycotoxin Binder (Aflatoxin) | Bentonite (Montmorillonite) | High | Approved under EC 1831/2003; effective for aflatoxin. Zeolite additionally provides ammonium control. |
| Activated Carbon | High | Broad-spectrum toxin adsorption; may also bind nutrients. | |
| Esterified Glucan | High | Organic mycotoxin binder; selective action. | |
| Digestive Regulator | Probiotics | Medium | Supports intestinal flora; does not bind toxins. |
| Prebiotics | Medium | Supports beneficial bacteria growth; does not directly bind toxins. | |
| Yeast Derivatives | Medium | Provides digestive support; no ammonia control. | |
| Odor-Control Bedding | Perlite | High | Moisture and odor control; has no CEC. |
| Silica Granules | High | Moisture and ammonia absorber; can be more expensive than zeolite. | |
| Calcium Carbonate-Based Beddings | Medium | pH buffering; limited adsorption capacity. |
4. PETROCHEMICALS AND CATALYSIS
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCC Catalyst | Alumina | High | Widely used in FCC processes; high thermal stability. |
| Silica-Alumina | High | High thermal stability; similar performance to zeolite. | |
| Mesoporous Carbon | Medium | For specialized applications; high cost. | |
| Molecular Sieve | Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) | Research Stage | Very high selectivity; expensive and not yet widespread. |
| Carbon Nanotubes | Research Stage | High performance; limited industrial-scale use. | |
| Synthetic Polymer Membranes | Medium | Effective for gas separation; not as durable as zeolite. |
5. HEALTH AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toxin Binder / Detox | Bentonite | High | Toxin binder; EC compliant. Zeolite provides broader-spectrum binding. |
| Activated Carbon | High | Effective for acute toxin removal; may also bind nutrients with long-term use. | |
| Chlorella / Spirulina | Medium | Antioxidant effect; ion binding and detox mechanism differ from zeolite. | |
| Mineral Supplement | Calcium Bentonite | Medium | Mineral source; low CEC. |
| Dolomite | Medium | Calcium and magnesium source; does not bind toxins. | |
| Magnesium Oxide | Low | Magnesium supplement only; not versatile. |
6. CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pozzolanic Additive (Concrete) | Fly Ash | High | Strength enhancer; compliant with TS EN. Zeolite offers the advantage of ASR control. |
| Silica Fume | High | Provides sulfate resistance and strength; higher cost than zeolite. | |
| Microsilica | High | Improves concrete performance; zeolite is natural and more economical. | |
| Insulation Material | Perlite | High | Thermal and acoustic insulation; lighter than zeolite. |
| Glass Wool | High | Thermal insulation; lacks the CEC and odor-absorbing advantages of zeolite. | |
| Rock Wool | High | Thermal and acoustic insulation; lacks the chemical advantages of zeolite. |
7. ODOR ABSORBER AND DESICCANT
| Function of Zeolite | Alternative Product | Technical Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor Absorber | Silica Granules | High | Absorbs moisture and ammonia; does not capture as broad a spectrum of odors as zeolite. |
| Activated Carbon | High | Excellent for organic odors; zeolite is more effective for ammonia. | |
| Calcium Carbonate | Medium | pH buffering; limited odor adsorption. | |
| Desiccant | Silica Gel | High | Industry standard; zeolite is effective across a wider humidity range. |
| Clay (Bentonite) | Medium | Absorbs moisture; capacity is not as high as zeolite. | |
| Calcium Chloride | Medium | Very high moisture absorption; can be corrosive and irreversible. |
8. SUMMARY: KEY ADVANTAGES OF ZEOLITE OVER ITS ALTERNATIVES
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Versatility | A single mineral effective across vastly different sectors: water treatment, agriculture, feed, construction, cosmetics. |
| 100% Natural and Non-Toxic | Environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable, unlike many synthetic alternatives. |
| High CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) | Possesses one of the highest ion exchange capacities among natural minerals. |
| Selective Adsorption | Captures only target ions (ammonium, heavy metals, toxins); does not bind essential vitamins, amino acids, or nutrients. |
| Long-Lasting and Persistent Effect | Maintains its efficacy for years in soil and filtration systems; not single-use. |
| Economical | Its low cost and multi-functionality allow it to replace multiple separate additives. |
| Thermal and Chemical Stability | Withstands temperatures up to 1200 °C; operates effectively over a wide pH range. |
