What if there was a “magic powder” that purifies the water, enriches the soil, and removes nuclear waste? What if that same powder could detox your body, boost your gut health, prevent free-radical damage, fight infections, and more? Well, zeolite might do it all, but clinical evidence remains limited. Read on to learn everything about zeolite, including its not-so-magical side.

What is Zeolite?

Zeolite is a complex mineral which forms in the contact of volcanic lava and water. This process can take thousands or even millions of years; scientists estimate that the first zeolite minerals formed over 300 million years ago.

“Zeolite” is a common name for over 240 unique structures (or frameworks), of which 40+ occur in nature. The most common types of zeolite include [1]:

• Clinoptilolite
• Mordenite
• Analcime
• Chabazite
• Natrolite
• Stilbite

Ancient Romans used zeolite B.C. to build bridges. Then it fell into oblivion and found its way back in 1756 when Swedish mineralogist Axel Cronstedt first described and named it.

He merged two Greek words: zéō, meaning “boiling” and líthos, meaning “stone.” Zeolite released plenty of steam when heated and thus reminded Cronstedt of a “boiling stone” [2].

Snapshot

Proponents:

• Stops uncontrolled bleeding
• May help with detox
• Believed to support gut health
• Antioxidant activity
• May lower blood lipids
• May protect the brain and the liver
• Cleans and protects the skin

Skeptics:

• Can cause lung damage when inhaled
• Can block the absorption of drugs and nutrients
• May be contaminated with heavy metals
• Some types can be carcinogens

Structure and Components

In a clash of scalding lava and cold seawater, zeolite forms a unique cage-like structure and negative surface charge. Aluminum and silicon make the basis of this structure, but it often includes other elements such as oxygen, tin, zinc, and titanium.

Tiny cages enable zeolite to act as a “molecular sieve,” filtering molecules based on their particle size. Negative surface charge loosely binds minerals – such as sodium, potassium, and calcium – and replaces them with large ions and heavy metals [3].

In other words, zeolite can pick up plenty of “bad stuff” and replace it with “good stuff.”

Production

Fast forward from its re-discovery, miners are now producing around 3 million tons of zeolite each year. China leads the way, followed by South Korea, Japan, and Jordan. Natural zeolites are abundant but often contaminated with