Zeolites: Crystalline, hydrated alkali-aluminum silicates of the general formula M(2/n)O.Al2O3.ySiO2.wH2O where M represents a group 1A or IIA element, n is the cation valence, y is two or greater, and w is the number of water molecules contained in the channels or interconnected voids within the zeolite.  The cations are mobile and capable of undergoing ion exchange. Zeolites occur naturally in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, altered basalts, ores, and clay deposits.  Some 40 known zeolite minerals and many synthetic zeolites are available commercially. 

USE of Zeolites: as molecular sieves, filters, adsorbents, catalysts, drying agents, cation exchangers, dispersing agents, and detergent builders.  Ref: Merck Index 11th Edition 10021

Zeolite is any member of a family of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals that contain alkali metals (Group 1A: Hydrogen, Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, and Francium), and alkaline-earth metals (Group IIA: Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium, Radon). Zeolites are noted for their lability toward ion exchange and reversible dehydration. They have a framework structure that encloses interconnected cavities occupied by large metal cations (positively charged ions) and water molecules.

The essential structural feature of a zeolite is a three-dimensional tetrahedral framework in which two tetrahedra share each oxygen atom.  If all tetrahedra contained silicon, the framework would be neutral.  The substitution of aluminum for silicon in the crystalline lattice creates a charge imbalance and requires other metal ions to be present in relatively large cavities of the framework.  In naturally occurring zeolites, these metal ions are typically mono- or di-valent ions such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium.  Zeolites are similar to feldspar minerals, except cavities are larger in zeolites, and water is generally present.  Structurally, zeolites are classified by the types of structural units that compose the framework, such as rings or polyhedral types.  The cavities formed by the framework units have diameters ranging from about 2 to 8 angstroms, which permits relatively easy movement of ions between cavities.

This ease of movement of ions and water within the framework allows reversible dehydration and cation exchange, properties which vary considerably with chemical and structural differences.  Dehydration character varies with the way water is bound in the structure.  For zeolites in which water is tightly bound, dehydration occurs at relatively high temperatures; by contrast, some of the water can be released at low temperatures in certain zeolites with large cavities.  The rate of ion exchange depends on the size and connections between cavities.  Some ions are excluded because of specific structural properties.

Zeolite properties are exploited through commercial production of zeolites with particular structural and chemical features.  Some commercial uses include separating hydrocarbons, such as refining petroleum, drying gases and liquids, and pollution control by selective molecular adsorption.

Natural zeolites occur in basic volcanic rocks as cavity fillings, probably due to deposition by fluids or vapors. In sedimentary rocks, zeolites occur as alteration products of volcanic glass and serve as cementing material in detrital rocks; they are also found in chemical sedimentary rocks of marine origin.  Extensive deposits of zeolites occur in all oceans.  Metamorphic rocks contain a sequence of zeolite minerals useful for assigning relative metamorphic grade; these minerals form at the expense of feldspars and volcanic glass.  Ref: Encyclopedia Britannica DVD.

Zeolite: The aluminum (AlO3) and silicon (SiO3) atoms comprise the zeolite framework’s opposing tetrahedral structures. A partial net negative charge forms at the Silicon tip of the tetrahedron because of its higher electronegativity than Aluminum.  Aluminum has an atomic number of 13, and Silicon has an atomic number of 14.  The larger nucleus of Silicon pulls an electron closer to itself, which results in a net negative charge around the Silicon atom and a net partial positive charge around the Aluminum.

Zeolite detoxification theory: Reduction in toxic metal burden in the body may allow the body to express itself properly. A body with less heavy metals interfering with enzyme function, genetic expression, and receptor sites may allow the body to express itself naturally and resolve its symptoms. The original patent on Zeolite was filed with the title: “Epithelial Cell Cancer Drug.” Patent No: US 6,288,045, filed September 11, 2001.

Zeolite Physical Characteristics: Zeolite Solution is Clinoptilolite, which is a type of Zeolite, an aluminosilicate mineral whose defining property is its negatively charged pores, which allows it to function as an ion exchange detoxifier. The Zeolite pores are small rings or tetrahedral structures ranging in size from .2-.8 nm. The Zeolites form sheets of interconnected atoms, with spaces between the sheets large enough to allow the passage of water and ions deep into the volume of a solid rock. The positive metal ions and water molecules bond to the oppositely charged area (which we shall call a pore even though the indentation may be minor) on the Zeolite. The positive metal ion attracts the negative portion of the Zeolite pore, and the water molecule attracts the positive areas. There are more than 40 different types of Zeolites; a unique Zeolite category is named when it has a different bond structure and positive ions embedded in the pores. The negatively charged binding sites in the Zeolite allow it to exchange a weakly bound cation for one with a stronger affinity. Before ingestion, the negative pores in zeolite are filled with metabolically neutral minerals such as sodium, potassium, or magnesium. While in the body, Zeolite exchanges these benign metals for toxic metals with higher electro-positivity, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.

Zeolite Formation: The Zeolites are formed under many conditions such as 1) synthetically in laboratories and manufacturing plants, 2) deposition by a vapor in rock crevices, 3) compression deep in the earth at high temperatures and pressures where sedimentary deposits are converted into metamorphic rocks, and 4) devitrification of pyroclastic rocks (i.e. glassy lava in contact with seawater that reshapes its atomic bonds and causes it to take on the porous structure of Zeolite) as in the case of Clinoptilolite.

Zeolite Geometric Structure: Zeolite’s atomic constituents are Aluminum, Silicon, and Oxygen. In Zeolite, Aluminum, and Silicon both combine with four Oxygen atoms, but an atom of Aluminum and Silicon both bond to the same three Oxygen atoms to form two tetrahedrons that join at each other’s base. Note: A tetrahedron is a geometric structure with four sides, a pyramid with three sides, and a bottom. For Example, orient a tetrahedron with an aluminum atom on the tip and three oxygen atoms at the corners of the base. Likewise, orient a second upside-down tetrahedron with Silicon at the tip of the bottom tetrahedron. The bottom tetrahedron would be bound to the same three oxygen atoms as the top tetrahedron. Now remember, Aluminum and Silicon bond to four oxygen atoms; therefore, the fourth Oxygen will be bound tip to tip between two tetrahedrons, Silicon on one tip and Aluminum on the other. This tip-to-tip connection between tetrahedrons allows for forming a network of bonds that creates sheet-like 3D structures. These sheets, composed of tetrahedral units, mutually bonded in long webs, frame these voids and thus enable the high surface area with the electronegative pores that allow for the useful property of ion replacement.

Zeolite Charge Structure: Silicon has an atomic number of 14 and is more electropositive than Aluminum, with its atomic number of 13. Thus, the Silicon attracts an electron from the Aluminum, causing the electron to spend more time around the Silicon atom, leaving its nucleus unbalanced by its electron cloud, resulting in a partially negative area around the Silicon atom. Likewise, a partial-positively charged area forms around the Aluminum atom around the other point of the tetrahedron.

Ionic Attraction to the Partial Charges on the Zeolite: The partial positive charge on the Aluminum atom attracts the partial negative charge of the oxygen atom in the water molecule. Likewise, the partial negative charge on the Silicon atom is available to form a weak ionic bond with a weakly positive ion such as sodium or a strongly positive ion such as mercury.

Detoxification of Zeolite: Grind Zeolite to a fine powder of approximately 4 microns, suspend the powdered Zeolite in a solution of Stearic acid, heat the Zeolite to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, and hold it at that temperature for 5 hours. With enough time and high enough heat, the positive toxic metal ions bound to the partially negative Silicon will momentarily dislodge from the Zeolite. When the toxic metal dislodges, the high concentration of Hydrogen ions in the Stearic acid solution will take its place, thus effectively blocking it from quick re-bonding to the negative pore. Once in solution, the toxic metal ions will be available for collision and bonding with the negatively charged stearate molecule. When the metal ion and stearate ion bond, they form an insoluble compound that will precipitate out of the solution and may be easily filtered off. At the completion of this process, the positive Hydrogen ions will occupy the Zeolite’s negative pores. This completes the process of cleansing the Zeolite of toxic elements. Then, exposing the Zeolite to a potassium, magnesium, and calcium solution allows these ions to bond to the negatively charged Zeolite pores. Bonding with essential minerals eliminates the need to supplement minerals when chelating with Zeolite Solution. Even if the Zeolite removes no toxic minerals, the Zeolite Solution supplies an equal amount of essential minerals as it carries away during excretion. In the presence of the more highly electropositive toxic metals, they will replace the less electronegative essential metals. The bonding between the Zeolite and the toxic metals is sufficiently strong that the toxic metals will stay bound to the Zeolite until excreted from the body through the kidneys. Over a period of 24 hours, the body can excrete the entire quantity of ingested Zeolite, and the assay shows excretion of 40% via the stool and 60% via urine.

Disclaimer: Zeolite Solution is not intended for the treatment or diagnosis of any disease or condition.