What is Zeolite? And Why Is It So Valuable?
A mineral is a naturally occurring chemical compound, usually of crystalline form and abiogenic in origin (not produced by life itself). What is the difference between a mineral and a rock? A mineral has one specific chemical composition while a rock aggregates different minerals and mineraloids.
We have very rich in some types of minerals and one of them is Zeolite. The best type of Zeolite is Clinoptilolite and has a unique position in the world in terms of the sheer amount – largest deposit, and its purity (Up to 97%).
Zeolite is used in many different industries and in many everyday products. With the development of new technologies, zeolite is expected to become even more valuable in the future.
There are more than 50 types of natural zeolite mineral. Clinoptilolite (from the heulandite group) is the most common and suitable natural zeolite type for commercial and industrial applications. More than 90% of the world’s zeolite production is clinoptilolite type of zeolite. Apart from natural ones, many synthetic zeolite are being developed around the world for custom applications.
Clinoptilolite possesses tetrahedral framework and form a continuous compositional series referred to as the heulandite group zeolites. For more technical information about zeolite please visit IZA’s website.
The descriptive image of zeolite at the left is taken from ChemTube3D. Please visit their website for an informing 3d animation of clinoptilolite’s tetrahedral structure and how it absorbs the cations into its cage like a magnet.
Currently most of the natural zeolite products at the market are clinoptilolite. However, not all zeolite products have a high content of clinoptilolite. The quality of a zeolite mineral totally depends on the clinoptilolite content of the product since the active agent (that can exchange cations) in the mineral is the clinoptilolite. Unfortunately at the market there are products that have clinoptilolite content as low as 50%, even sometimes 40%, which means that rest of the product is regular stone or clay.
Low quality products usually originate in China and are mostly used as aggregate. This aggregate quality clinoptilolite mineral shall not be compared with the high quality (min. 80% content) clinoptilolite minerals.
The clinoptilolite series comprises three species. Clinoptilolite-K, Clinoptilolite-Na, Clinoptilolite-Ca named after their dominant elements. These elements are exchanged during cation exchange in favor of heavy metals, toxins, ammonia etc. which have a higher attraction for the mineral. To check how these elements are placed inside the clinoptilolite structure please check The Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules.
Why Choose Our Zeolite – Clinoptilolite?
ITALMEDCO is the leading natural zeolite mineral producer and exporter in Eurasia. It owns high quality reserves in Italy. Here are some quick facts why you should choose ITALMEDCO zeolite – clinoptilolite.
Incredible Purity
Min. 93% to 97%
ITALMEDCO guarantees minimum 93-97% purity at its products. The purity of the product is constantly monitored by analysis. Regular tests are being carried out to check the reserve.
High Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Up 1,5-2 meq/g
ITALMEDCO offers clinoptilolite with one of the highest Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC).
High Specific Surface Area
Up to 57 m2/g
ITALMEDCO’s products can reach specific surface area (SSA) of up to 57 m2/gr.
Accurate Sizing & Naming
Dv90%
While naming a powder product, the name indicates that 90% of the product is below the “named size”. For example when we name the product 200 micron, we guarantee that 90% of the product is below 200 micron.
Simultaneous Production
16 products
We can produce up to 16 different grades of product simultaneously, at our two different facilities.
Non Stop Manufacturing
4 seasons
ITALMEDCO operates for 4 seasons of the year. Usually the orders in big bags and bulk orders are immediately shipped and delivered. Orders with smaller packages are usually shipped in 3 – 15 days.
Sustainable Supplier
320 hectares
ITALMEDCO has relation with owner of 320 hectares of high quality natural zeolite – clinoptilolite reservoir. Calculated reserve is more than 8 million tons.
Reliable Producer
20 years
ITALMEDCO has been in the zeolite business for more than 20 years now. We have established a mutual long term partnership with most of our customers. We have the know-how and experience for the manufacturing process and the application of zeolite – clinoptilolite.
Favorable Pricing
Discount 20%
If you are the first one to give an order from a country that we have never shipped before, we offer 20% discount at your first order.
