Zeolithe

Over millions of years, the volcanic ash layers were exposed to high temperatures and pressures, which established the physical and chemical change that created a diverse group of zeolites, including clinoptilolite. Clinoptilolite belongs to a large group of zeolites called heulandite.
The use of zeolites dates back to the 1950s, when the properties of this natural mineral were first examined. The company ZEOCEM, a.s. Bystré owns the quarrying rights for the mineral clinoptilolite which belongs to a large group of zeolites. The quarry site is located in Nižný Hrabovec, in eastern Slovakia. The richness and purity of this locality ranks this mine among the best in the world. The method of extraction in the quarry fully meets modern requirements and ensures the most nature-friendly approach possible.
The structure of clinoptilolite consists of a three-dimensional grid of silicate tetrahedrite (SiO4)4- each interconnected by oxygen atoms; the silicon atoms are replaced by aluminium (AlO4)5-, creating a characteristic spatial structure with a high incidence of cavities, interconnected by channels, in which metal cations, or water molecules, are stored. The total volume of these cavities is 24-32%.
Clinoptilolite is widely used in agriculture, animal husbandry, construction, environmental protection, water and gas purification and in various industrial applications.