zeolitehttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeolite_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezeolite, n.
Revised 2018

zeolitenoun

Geology and Chemistry.
  1. 1770–
    Originally: any of certain silicate minerals having the property of swelling up, giving off water, and fusing when heated. In later use more widely: any of a large group of minerals comprising hydrated aluminosilicates of sodium, potassium, calcium, and barium whose crystal structures are open frameworks with channels and spaces which can hold water molecules; (also) any synthetic compound having similar properties or uses.
    Zeolites can be readily dehydrated (by heating) and rehydrated, and are used as cation exchangers and molecular sieves. Examples of natural zeolites include analcime, chabazite, heulandite, natrolite, stilbite, and thomsonite.
    α forms
    1. 1770
      If concentrated oil of vitriol is poured on pounded zeolites [Sw. Zeolit], a heat arises.
      G. von Engeström & E. M. da Costa, translation of A. F. Cronstedt, Essay System of Mineralogy 116
    2. 1777
      Zeolites. This name is given by Mr. Cronstedt to a stone described by him in the Transactions of the Academy of Sciences at Stockholm for the year 1756, the peculiar properties of which have induced that mineralogist to consider it as forming a distinct order of earths, called zeolites.
      Dictionary Chemistry vol. III. X 8
    β forms
    1. 1777
      The sparry zeolyte from the Ferro Isles.
      J. Priestley, Experiments & Observations Air vol. III. 39
    2. 1789
      Red scintilant zeolite from Edelfors.
      R. Kerr, translation of A. Lavoisier, Elements of Chemistry 497
    3. 1803
      This Zeolite, found in the rocks of Edinburgh Castle.
      Edinburgh Review January 510
    4. 1811
      There appear to be several varieties, viz. mealy zeolite, lamellar or foliated, and radiated.
      T. Dwight, Statistical Account New Haven vol. I. i. 9
    5. 1880
      Tabular trap, which..contains abundant zeolites.
      S. Haughton, Six Lectures on Physical Geography v. 214 (note)
    6. 1880
      Crocalite..is a red zeolite, identical with the bergmannite of Laurvig.
      J. D. Dana, Mineralogy 427
    7. 1913
      Zeolites are represented in the deposits of very deep water..by phillipsite, a silicate of calcium and aluminium.
      J. Murray, Ocean ix. 223
    8. 1933
      The effluent..is then passed through a special zeolite which exchanges sodium for the basic nitrogen in the sewage.
      R. S. Weston in Twenty-Five Years Chem. Engin. Prography (1968) (American Inst. Chem. Engineers) xxiii. 327
    9. 1956
      The polymer can then be used as a ‘zeolite’ or ion-exchange water-softening agent.
      E. G. Couzens & V. E. Yarsley, Plastics in Service Man 98
    10. 1990
      Petrographically, these basanites are similar to the transitional nephelinites at Bow Hill, although they are richer in zeolite (analcime).
      Journal of Petrology vol. 31 1203
    11. 2011
      Zeolites are also used for filtering oil.
      W. L. Pohl, Econ. Geology iii. 366/1

zeolite, n. was revised in June 2018.

zeolite, n. was last modified in December 2024.