Zeolite- What is it?
What is a Zeolite?
Zeolites belong to a family of naturally occurring volcanic minerals with unique physical and chemical characteristics. There are over forty-eight varieties of natural zeolite minerals with similar structures and molecular makeup, each with its own particular attributes – and there are over a hundred synthetic varieties (made in the lab)
Natural Zeolites
“Natural zeolites (i.e., those found in volcanogenic sedimentary rocks) have been and are being used as building stone, as lightweight aggregate and pozzolans in cements and concretes, as filler in paper, in the take-up of Cs and Sr from nuclear waste and fallout, as soil amendments in agronomy and horticulture, in the removal of ammonia from municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste and drinking waters, as energy exchangers in solar refrigerators, as dietary supplements in animal diets, as consumer deodorizers, in pet litters, in taking up ammonia from animal manures, and as ammonia filters in kidney-dialysis units. Most recently zeolites have been used as a food additive, and as a "nutritional supplement".
From their use in construction during Roman times, to their role as hydroponic (zeoponic) substrate for growing plants on space missions, to their recent success in the healing of cuts and wounds, natural zeolites are now considered to be full-fledged mineral commodities, the use of which promise to expand even more in the future.”
(From a paper was presented at National Academy of Sciences colloquium "Geology, Mineralogy, and Human Welfare," held November 8-9, 1998 at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center in Irvine, CA.Colloquium Paper “La roca magica: Uses of natural zeolites in agriculture and industry” Frederick A. Mumpton )
Natural Zeolite Structure
Generally speaking, natural zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates. They consist of an open, three-dimensional cage-like structure and a vast network of open channels extending throughout. Loosely bound, positively charged atoms called cations, are attached at the junctures of the negatively charged aluminosilicate lattice structure. The aluminosilicate framework provides exceptional strength and stability to the lattice structure.
The channels, typically 0.3 to 0.7 nanometers in diameter (3 to 7 angstroms, slightly larger than a water molecule), selectively screen molecules according to size and exchangeable cations. Molecules too large to pass through the entry channel are excluded, thus giving rise to the term “molecular sieve”.
Zeolites have a rigid, three-dimensional crystalline structure (similar to honeycomb) consisting of a network of interconnected tunnels and cages. Zeolites in general have high specific surface areas and their rigid framework limits shrinking and swelling.
Summary: Honey comb structure, negatively charged, small channels attract smaller molecules,
Cation Exchange
Perhaps the most commercially valuable and dynamic property of zeolite is its cation exchange capacity (CEC). Cation exchange occurs when two or more positively charged compounds or elements exchange places on a negatively charged host. The most common exchangeable cations found in natural zeolite molecules are sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, many of which are desirable in numerous biological and industrial processes.
The ability to release beneficial elements while capturing and binding other, often less desirable, materials makes zeolite an ideal media for the selective adsorbtion of certain elements and compounds from soil, water and air and body.
Zeolite - In My Nutritional Supplement?
For centuries, the powdered forms of specific zeolites have been used as traditional remedies throughout Asia to promote overall health and well being. The story of the "volcanic rocks" has been passed down from generation-to-generation as more and more people have experienced its life-changing benefits.
Zeolites are natural volcanic minerals with an unique, complex crystalline structure. It's honeycomb framework of cavities and channels (like cages) works at the cellular level trapping, heavy metals and toxins. In fact, because it is one of the few negatively charged minerals in nature, zeolites act as magnets drawing toxins to it, capturing them in its cage and removing them from the body.
Key Benefits
- Supports a healthy immune system.*
- Helps remove heavy metals, toxins and other substances from the body.*
- Helps balance pH levels in the body.*
- 100 percent natural and non-toxic.*
- Safe for long-term use.*
Zeolite taken orally doesn't just remove heavy metals, it also seems to help get rid of herbicides and pesticides, other toxins and seems to have some anti-viral effect.
Zeolite has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status from the FDA.
