Clinoptilolite
| Clinoptilolite | |
|---|---|
|
Clinoptilolite-Na | |
| General | |
| Category |
Tectosilicates Zeolites |
| Formula (repeating unit) | (Na,K,Ca)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36·12H2O |
| Strunz classification | 09.GE.05 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Identification | |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3½ - 4 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Clinoptilolite is a natural zeolite comprising a microporous arrangement of silica and alumina tetrahedra. It has the complex formula: (Na,K,Ca)2-3Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36·12H2O. It forms as white to reddish tabular monoclinic tectosilicate crystals with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4 and a specific gravity of 2.1 to 2.2. It commonly occurs as a devitrification product of volcanic glass shards in tuff and as vesicle fillings in basalts, andesites and rhyolites. It was described in 1969 from an occurrence in Owl Canyon, San Bernardino County, California.
It forms a series with heulandite:
- Clinoptilolite-Ca – heulandite-Ca solid solution series
- Clinoptilolite-K – heulandite-K solid solution series
- Clinoptilolite-Na – heulandite-Na solid solution series
Use of clinoptilolite in industry and academia focuses on its ion exchange properties having a strong exchange affinity for ammonium (NH4+). A typical example of this is in its use as an enzyme based urea sensor. It is also used as fertiliser, and sold as a deodorizer in the form of pebble-sized chunks contained in a mesh bag.
Research is generally focussed around the shores of the Aegean Sea due to the abundance of natural clinoptilolite in easily accessible surface deposits.
The name is derived from the Greek words klino (κλίνω; "oblique"), ptylon (φτερών; "feather"), and lithos (λίθος; "stone").
Clinoptilolite in Human and Animal Health
Clinoptilolite Zeolite has a long history of use in livestock feed due to its ability to increase nutrient absorption. Swine and poultry studies in Japan have shown increased growth rates as well as a simultaneous decrease in the cost and amount of feed compared to control groups, when supplemented with ≤10% clinoptilolite and mordenite. Mature and young pigs fed rations containing 5% clinoptilolite gained 16% more weight than control groups and the amount and severity of intestinal disease decreased. The excrement of the animals was also less odoriferous due to the zeolites uptake of NH4+.[1]
It is also now used in human health to safely absorb and remove heavy metals from the body.
Clinoptilolite’s negative charge and cage like structure has a high affinity for heavy metals like: mercury, arsenic, lead, aluminium, as referenced in peer reviewed studies[2] while also having a low affinity with the body’s needed metals such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
Clinoptilolite Zeolite is also used for the removal of radioactive metals such as: caesium-137 strontium-90 and depleted uranium. Over 500 tones were dumped on the nuclear reactors in chernobyl to help stop the spread of radioactive particles. The addition of clinoptilolite to soils contaminated with Sr-90 markedly reduced the strontium uptake by plants.[3] In Bulgaria, clinoptilolite zeolite pills and cookies were prepared for human consumption to counteract Chernobyl fallout.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Mar 30; 96(7): 3463–3470. La roca magica: Uses of natural zeolites in agriculture and industry - Frederick A. Mumpton* http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC34179/?tool=pubmed
- ↑ Clinical evidence supporting the use of an activated clinoptilolite suspension as an agent to increase urinary excretion of toxic heavy metals James L Flowers, Stewart A Lonkey, Erik J Deutsch, November 3rd 2009 published medical journal - Dove press http://pureliquidzeolite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/60ec18_0075aa12adfc9358fb677cc264905687.pdf
- ↑ Nishita H, Haug R M. Soil Sci. 1972;114:149–157.
- ↑ Filizova L. Program & Abstracts: Zeolite ’93: 4th International Conference on the Occurrence, Properties, and Utilization of Natural Zeolites, Boise, Idaho. Brockport, NY: Int. Comm. Natl. Zeolites; 1993. pp. 88–90.