Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicate minerals made from an interlinked tetrahedral of alumina (A104) and silica (SiO4). In simpler terms they are solids with a relatively open, three-dimensional crystal structure built from the elements aluminum, oxygen and silicon, with alkali or alkaline earth metals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium plus water molecules trapped in the gaps between them.
Zeolites have an open, cage-like structure that can trap other molecules inside it and this is how positively charged water molecules and alkaline earth metal ions (with too few electrons also known as cations) become part of the Zeolite structure. These molecules and metal ions can be exchanged for other stronger positively charged ions, this is known as cation exchange.
The hardness of Zeolites varies in relation to its mineral make up, location and age of the deposit. In Zeologic we use the cleaner and slightly softer, less abrasive Mordenite material for our milling process. The Mordenite we use is not the fibrous type. We consider this unsuitable for our applications.
All Zeolites (whether Clinoptillolite or Mordenite) have similar characteristics prior to milling. However, the type of milling process used can either damage or enhance the cation exchange and overall effectives of the end zeolite powder.
Very few micronising systems are suitable to use when milling a crystalline structure like Zeolite. Simply crushing zeolite may produce a fine powder but it can also destroy the ability of the powder to take up/exchange undesirable elements due to partially destroying the particles structure.
The new Actimisation machines have a unique action that activates the Zeolite to perform better.
The Zeologic range of Zeolite-based products developed by Biogene have been produced using the new generation Actimisation machines that offer more precise and even sizing of particles for all applications. This is the method that gives Zeologic its unique AZM (Activated Zeolite Mordenite).
An easy way to identify a properly produced zeolite powder is to note the measure-per-container – not the weight of the container. Some brands may put double or more weight into the same sized container hoping the consumer will believe they are getting better value. However, it is not the weight of the container but rather the measure-per-container that is important to note.