Structural characteristics of zeolite

There are many kinds of zeolites, 36 of which have been discovered. Their common feature is that they have a shelf-like structure, which means that in their crystals, the molecules are connected together like a shelf, forming many cavities in the middle. Because there are many water molecules in these cavities, they are hydrated minerals. This water will be discharged when encountering high temperatures. For example, when burned with a flame, most zeolites will expand and foam, as if boiling. Hence the name zeolite. Different zeolites have different shapes. For example, analcime and chabazite are generally axial crystals, heulandite and stilbeol are plate-shaped, mordenite is needle-shaped or fibrous, etc. If various zeolites are pure inside, they should be colorless or white, but if other impurities are mixed inside, they will show various light colors. Zeolite also has a glass-like luster. We know that water in zeolite can escape, but this will not destroy the crystal structure inside the zeolite. Therefore, it can also reabsorb water or other liquids. Therefore, this has also become a characteristic of people using zeolite. We can use zeolite to separate some substances produced during oil refining, to dry the air, to adsorb certain pollutants, to purify and dry alcohol, and so on. Zeolite minerals are widely distributed. It is particularly common in sedimentary rocks formed from volcanic debris and is also found in soil.