Pressure-induced hydration in zeolite tetranatrolite

Abstract

The tetranatrolite-paranatrolite transformation has remained a key problem in understanding the paragenesis of zeolites in the natrolite family. It is accepted that when paranatrolite, approximate formula Na 16-x Ca x Al 16+x Si 24-x O 80 · 24 H 2 O, is removed from an aqueous environment and exposed to the atmosphere, it loses water and transforms to tetranatrolite, Na 16-x Ca x Al 16+x Si 24-x O 80 ·nH 2 O (n ≤ 24). Here we show that this transformation is not only reversible, but that tetranatrolite exhibits two sequential pressure-induced hydrations leading first to paranatrolite and then to a superhydrated tetranatrolite above 0.2 and 3.0 Gpa, respectively. We have previously reported similar behavior for the corresponding system with an ordered Si/Al distribution, i.e., natrolite itself, however the ordered version of paranatrolite exists over a much smaller pressure range. The pressure-induced transformations of natrolite and tetranatrolite thus further supports the supposition that paranatrolite is a distinct mineral species, with a pressure-stability field dependent upon composition.