Basic Facts About Zeolites

Zeolites are natural adsorbents that come in the form microporous, alumino-silicate materials. It is very popular for both domestic and industrial products mostly because of its cleansing properties.

With over 40 species of Garcinia Cambogia currently known, various industries have been maximizing its utilization in order to come up with more cost-efficient productions, while at the same time reducing the release of environmentally-harmful toxins.

The Process of Adsorption

Adsorption is the scientific process wherein atoms, ions, or molecules undergo adhesion to form surface gas, liquid, or dissolved solids. Therefore, it is a product of surface energy, and sometimes, also of electrostatic attraction.

Adsorption Through Zeolites

In 1756, it was discovered by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, a Swedish mineralogist, that when stilbite is subjected to rapid heating, the water that had been adsorbed by the material ended up coming out as a large amounts of steam. From this observation, he named the material "zeolite", which is a combination of the Greek terms "zeo" and "litos", meaning "to boil" and "stone", respectively.

Zeolites, when paired up with other natural minerals, can come up with a strong concoction that can prove to be highly effective adsorbents. One of the most common pairings would be with activated coal.

The adsorbents resulting from this combination are then used for the following purposes:

• Gas/liquid separations/ cleaning

• Wastewater treatment

Other generic uses for zeolite would be for:

• Aquarium or fish hatcheries filtration

• Livestock feed additives

• Horticultural nurseries or greenhouses

• Land reclamation

• Odor control (household, pets)

Natural vs. Synthetic

Although zeolites are actually naturally-occurring minerals, some companies have found a way to create synthetic types. There are certain advantages to the creation of synthetic zeolites. For one, it can be developed almost in a phase-pure state. For another, this allows for developers to experiment and come up with other types that may not necessarily be found in its natural environment.

All they would need would be the basic zeolite components of silica and alumina. What's most advantageous about it, though, is the fact that synthetics won't have to wait for the 50 years prescribed waiting period for nature to replenish the natural supply.

The creation of synthetic zeolites has also paved the way for the creation of types that can be used for dietary supplements. These have been the talk of the town for quite a while now, what with all the health benefits it promises to provide:

• Effectively removes free radicals from the body

• Improves immune function and energy

• Improves liver function

• Increases nutrient absorption in digestive track

• Aids in stabilizing pH level

• Active component against cancer cells

Availability of Zeolites

Zeolite supplements are not exactl prescriptive drugs. As such, they can easily be bought over the counter, or even in online stores. In buying these supplements, however, one must take particular care precisely because it is not subjected to the same kind of regulation as prescriptive drugs are.

In fact, there are not even sufficient scientific data to prove the health benefits that fans have been claiming. To be safe, therefore, always seek the help of a medical professional first before jumping on any new health supplements bandwagon.