FAQs

Are all Zeolites the same and how does NZ Zeolite differ from Australian Zeolite?

No – at least not in what would be apparent differences.Over 40 separate species of naturally occurring zeolite have been identified around the globe. Each of these species has a specific geophysical or geochemical make-up. Only a small number of these zeolites are extracted for commercial use. The term zeolite is literally translated from greek as “boiling stones” – a reference to the phenomenon of water adsorption and desorption in zeolite ore. All zeolite species exhibit this trait, but this is where any real similarity between species, and also similarity between deposits of the same species, ends. For example, New Zealand clinoptilolites have been aged at circa 200,000 yrs. Australian clinoptilolites circa +200,000,000 yrs. The New Zealand variety is relatively soft (Mohs 3-4), very porous, and lightweight (BD 0.65 when dehydrated). Australian variety is relatively hard (Mohs 7), dense and relatively non-porous, and heavy (BD 1.1 when dehydrated).These relatively significant differences in physical attributes are not matched to the same degree by the differences in geochemical make-up between species. For instance for a given species, different deposits seem to exhibit similar cation selectivity. The age, cleanliness/purity of the ore, density, and porosity will combine to affect the performance of the specific ore within a given application. Commercial manufacturers of natural zeolite products, such as Blue Pacific Minerals, have developed expertise in applying the attributes of New Zealand zeolites into various market applications and can advise customers accordingly.