Hobbies And Interests
The Zeolite Family
The zeolite is an entire family of minerals that includes chabazite, erionite and stellerite. According to Galleries.com, the entire zeolite family contains more than 45 different minerals, each with its own special characteristics, but all sharing the same main traits of a zeolite mineral. The rocks in the zeolite family vary widely in their appearance; colors, density, levels of transparency and shapes can all differ from zeolite to zeolite.
Metamorphic Rocks
Zeolites are metamorphic rocks, which means that they form from a combination of pressure and differing temperatures. Naturally forming zeolites are created under or in the cavities of volcanic rock sheets, and can take thousands of years to form. Since zeolites are created whereever there is volcanic ash, zeolites are mined in locations all over the world.
Microporism
Zeolites are microporous, meaning the rocks have tiny pores that allow liquids and gases to seep through their surface and be absorbed by the rock. Because of this characteristic, synthetic zeolites are often used for such things as cat litter, nuclear reprocessing and water purification.
Environmental Use
Specific zeolite types also have the trait of adsorption, which means that certain molecules are attracted to and bind to the surface of the rocks, which can act as molecular scrubbers for certain chemicals. Synthetic zeolites are often used to clean pollutants in industrial and environmental applications. One such example of zeolite use for their adsorption trait is using them to convert hard water to soft water.
Medical Use
Zeolites are also used in medical applications. Proponents of zeolite supplements claim that, when taken as supplements in pill and liquid form, zeoloite can act as an antioxidant, helping the body to fight off cancer cells. Other uses for zeolite supplements are to promote a healthy immune system and to filter heavy metals from the body. However, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian in his in-depth review, there has not been enough testing to prove their effectiveness.
Collecting Zeolites
Zeolites are crystalline rocks, and because of their varying appearances, sizes and structures, and often bright and vivid colors, they are highly valued by rock collectors. Zeolites are sold at rock and crystal stores and are often traded within rock collector messageboards and zeolite enthusiast groups.