Occurrence Of Zeolites Research Articles

Self-Organizing Maps for identification of zeolitic diagenesis patterns in closed hydrologic systems on the Earth and its implications for Mars

We have conducted a survey of zeolite occurrences in saline-alkaline paleolake deposits on Earth to identify the most prominent zeolite alteration patterns and to characterize the most common authigenic minerals and their paragenetic relationships. We collected the bulk mineral assemblages (from previous and our studies) as identified by X-ray diffraction from zeolitic tuff beds and associated sedimentary beds from thirteen paleolake deposits from the USA, Mexico, Greece, and Tanzania. We applied the Kohonen Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) to look for interesting patterns in the tuff bed mineral assemblages without prescribing any specific interpretation, and for information reduction and classification. Decision Tree (DT) method was applied to characterize these clusters. We were able to define clear class boundaries between fresh glass, non-analcime zeolites, analcime, and K feldspar. The non-analcime zeolites were further grouped into several classes based on mineral type. We also discuss the potential implications for Mars, showing that the mineral assemblages of diagenetic facies identified by SOM and DT can be used to test or validate the orbital, in situ, or modeling results, while the trained SOM provides a robust generalized ability to classify the new mineral assemblage data into the most common diagenetic facies identified in saline-alkaline paleoenvironments that contain zeolites. The study concludes that generalizing the complex geochemical behaviors using unsupervised statistical learning methods can help to identify the most prominent geochemical behaviors.

First Report on the Geologic Occurrence of Natural Na–A Zeolite and Associated Minerals in Cretaceous Mudstones of the Paja Formation of Vélez (Santander), Colombia

This study reports for the first time the geologic occurrence of natural zeolite A and associated minerals in mudstones from the Cretaceous Paja Formation in the urban area of the municipality of Vélez (Santander), Colombia. These rocks are mainly composed of quartz, muscovite, pyrophyllite, kaolinite and chlorite group minerals, framboidal and cubic pyrite, as well as marcasite, with minor feldspar, sulphates, and phosphates. Total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS), and millimeter fragments of algae are high, whereas few centimeters and not biodiverse small ammonite fossils, and other allochemical components are subordinated. Na–A zeolite and associated mineral phases as sodalite occur just beside the interparticle micropores (honeycomb from framboidal, cube molds, and amorphous cavities). It is facilitated by petrophysical properties alterations, due to processes of high diagenesis, temperatures up to 80–100 °C, with weathering contributions, which increase the porosity and permeability, as well as the transmissivity (fluid flow), allowing the geochemistry remobilization and/or recrystallization of pre-existing silica, muscovite, kaolinite minerals group, salts, carbonates, oxides and peroxides. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the mineral composition of the mudstones and scanning electron micrographs show the typical cubic morphology of Na–A zeolite of approximately 0.45 mμ in particle size. Our data show that the sequence of the transformation of phases is: Poorly crystalline aluminosilicate → sodalite → Na–A zeolite. A literature review shows that this is an unusual example of the occurrence of natural zeolites in sedimentary marine rocks recognized around the world.

Zeolite water purification at Tikal, an ancient Maya city in Guatemala

Evidence for the oldest known zeolite water purification filtration system occurs in the undisturbed sediments of the Corriental reservoir at the Maya city of Tikal, in northern Guatemala. The Corriental reservoir was an important source of drinking water at Tikal during the Late Preclassic to Late Classic cultural periods. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and six AMS radiocarbon ages show that between ~ 2185 and 965 cal yr B.P. the drinking water in the Corriental reservoir water was filtered through a mixture of zeolite and coarse, sand-sized crystalline quartz. Zeolite is a non-toxic, three-dimensionally porous, crystalline, hydrated aluminosilicate with natural adsorbent and ion exchange properties, which removes harmful microbes as well as dispersed insoluble and soluble toxins from drinking water. The occurrence of zeolite in Corriental reservoir sediments expands our understanding of the earliest history of water purification and the long-term sustainability of an ancient Maya city.

Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Genesis of Zeolites in Cenozoic Pyroclastic Flows from the Asuni Area (Central Sardinia, Italy)

Natural zeolite occurrences have been recognized in several Cenozoic pyroclastic deposits in central Sardinia. This study concerns the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the zeolitized tuffites in the Asuni area (Oristano province) and aims to complement information regarding the zeolitization processes developed in the nearby Allai deposits. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, qualitative vs. quantitative microanalyses and bulk-rock geochemistry were performed. Analytical results allow defining the mineral distribution, textural relationships and geochemical features of the zeolite-bearing rocks. The most abundant secondary minerals are Ca-Na mordenites. Contrarily to the most common worldwide clinoptilolite + mordenite paragenesis, mordenite is dominant and occurs in different morphologies, rarely coexisting with clinoptilolite in the studied volcanic tuffites. Glauconite and dioctahedral smectite complete the authigenic assemblages. The primary volcanic components mostly include plagioclase, quartz and glass shards, roughly retaining their original appearance. The tuffites range in composition from dacite to rhyolite. The collected dataset shows that zeolitization is most abundant in coarser-grained deposits and points to a genetic process that mainly involves an open hydrothermal environment governed by aqueous fluids with significant marine component, in post eruption conditions.

Faujasit-Na a doprovodná zeolitová mineralizace z lokality Klučky u Polevska v Lužických horách (Česká republika)

Four new zeolite occurrences have been discovered in a forested, 3 km long ridge Klučky, composed of basaltic rocks and culminating in the 642 m high elevation of the same name NW of the Nový Bor town in the Lužické hory Mts. At the Wachstein locality, the first occurrence of the rare zeolite faujasite-Na in the Czech Republic was verified. It forms octahedral crystals up to 0.3 mm in size with common twins according to spinel law. The unit-cell parameter of faujasite-Na refined from the powder X-ray data is a 24.6775(9) Å and V 15028.1(9) Å3. Its chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula (Na1.43Ca1.20K0.44Mg0.16)Σ3.23(Al3.33Si8.36)O24·15 H2O. Besides to phillipsite and chabazite, frequent offretite, characterised by its extraordinary morphological variety, is present in all described localities. The unit-cell parameters of offretite refined from the powder X-ray data are: a 13.311(6), c 7.5934(6) Å and V 1165.2(5) Å3 (Wachstein) and a 13.310(5), c 7.5886(5) Å and V 1164.3(4) Å3 (Klučky - Stráň). Chemical analyses of offretite correspond to the empirical formula K2.02Ca1.31Mg0.32Sr0.09(Al5.42Si12.56)O36·16 H2O (Wachstein) and Ca1.48K1.02Mg0.59Na0.10Sr0.09(Al5.56Si12.52)O36·16 H2O (Klučky - Stráň).

Occurrence and origin of natural zeolites

Occurrence and origin of natural zeolites

The occurrence of zeolites filling in vesicles and fractures of volcanic suite in NW of Saveh, Central Iran

The occurrence of zeolites filling in vesicles and fractures of volcanic suite in NW of Saveh, Central Iran

Surface clay formation during short-term warmer and wetter conditions on a largely cold ancient Mars.

The ancient rock record for Mars has long been at odds with climate modelling. The presence of valley networks, dendritic channels and deltas on ancient terrains points towards running water and fluvial erosion on early Mars1, but climate modelling indicates that long-term warm conditions were not sustainable2. Widespread phyllosilicates and other aqueous minerals on the Martian surface3-6 provide additional evidence that an early wet Martian climate resulted in surface weathering. Some of these phyllosilicates formed in subsurface crustal environments5, with no association with the Martian climate, while other phyllosilicate-rich outcrops exhibit layered morphologies and broad stratigraphies7 consistent with surface formation. Here, we develop a new geochemical model for early Mars to explain the formation of these clay-bearing rocks in warm and wet surface locations. We propose that sporadic, short-term warm and wet environments during a generally cold early Mars enabled phyllosilicate formation without requiring long-term warm and wet conditions. We conclude that Mg-rich clay-bearing rocks with lateral variations in mixed Fe/Mg smectite, chlorite, talc, serpentine and zeolite occurrences formed in subsurface hydrothermal environments, whereas dioctahedral (Al/Fe3+-rich) smectite and widespread vertical horizonation of Fe/Mg smectites, clay assemblages and sulphates formed in variable aqueous environments on the surface of Mars. Our model for aluminosilicate formation on Mars is consistent with the observed geological features, diversity of aqueous mineralogies in ancient surface rocks and state-of-the-art palaeoclimate scenarios.

The application of natural zeolite to cement concrete intended for communications surfaces

The article presents the application of a cement substitute in the form of natural zeolite to cement concrete. The reference mix design intended for communications surfaces and a mix of modified composition taking into consideration zeolite content were prepared. The basic parameters of concrete mix components were specified, including basalt aggregate, cement and zeolite. The influence of the applied zeolite of a grain-size distribution up to 50μm on the obtained parameters of concrete mix and hardened concrete was determined. It was observed that the applied zeolite contributes to the modification of the internal structure of concrete composite and consequently to the increase of the mechanical and physical parameters of hardened concrete tested within diversified standard periods of time. Due to the fact that the resistance of concrete to cyclic freezing and thawing is the determinant of concrete durability, in the case of pavement structure, hardened concretes were subject to a frost resistance assessment. The influence of zeolite content on both internal and external frost resistance of hardened concrete was specified. SEM observations of the internal structure of concretes exposed to the influence of freezingthawing cycles proved the advantageous changes of zeolite occurrence in concrete mix. A reduction of cement quantity and its replacement thereof with the suggested zeolite allows obtaining a pavement quality concrete of a more favourable internal micro structure and distinguished by higher parameters.

Zeolite occurrence and genesis in the Late-Cretaceous Cayo arc of Coastal Ecuador: Evidence for zeolite formation in cooling marine pyroclastic flow deposits

This paper describes the quantitative mineralogy, the mineral chemistry and the distribution of natural zeolites over the outcrop area of the Late Cretaceous Cayo Formation of Coastal Ecuador (>1000km2) and develops a model for zeolite alteration in the Cayo volcanic arc. Different zeolite types were identified: Ca-heulandite-type zeolites (clinoptilolite and heulandite), mordenite, laumontite, analcime, stilbite, epistilbite, chabazite, thomsonite and erionite. Zeolites occur over nearly the entire outcrop area and the entire stratigraphical thickness of the Cayo Formation, in percentages varying between less than 20 and nearly 100wt.%. A substantial amount of the analysed samples (1/8) has zeolite contents higher than 50wt.% and could potentially be used in agriculture, aquaculture, for waste water treatment or as supplementary cementitious materials. A clear difference in zeolite type and content was observed when comparing the lower and upper units of the Cayo Formation and the distribution of these units determines the zeolite distribution over the outcrop area. In the upper unit, Ca-HEU-type zeolites are the main zeolite minerals and rarely laumontite and analcime occur. A smectite-rich smectite/chlorite (C/S) is the major associated alteration mineral, while quartz contents are relatively low. In the lower unit, the zeolite mineralogy is more variable and mordenite, Ca-HEU-type zeolites and laumontite are common. Stilbite, epistilbite and analcime occur rarely. Further quartz, albite, C/S and celadonite occur as associated alteration minerals. Little burial metamorphism or volcanically induced hydrothermal alteration has affected the deposits of the Cayo formation. Mineral alteration occurred mainly by interaction of hot pyroclastic glass with marine water, present as pressurized steam in cooling pyroclastic flow deposits on one hand or by low temperature diagenesis of already cooled pyroclastic or epiclastic deposits on the other hand. A model similar to the “geoautoclave” model is proposed to explain the genesis of zeolites, in which an autoclave is formed by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the marine water column overlying the pyroclastic deposits, preventing gas escape and promoting glass dissolution, zeolite formation and, conversion to higher-grade phases possible if heat can be maintained for a long enough period.

山口県長門市向津具半島大津玄武岩に産する晶洞鉱物

Occurrence, assemblages and chemical compositions of zeolite and associated amygdale minerals in Otsu alkali basalt from Mukatsuku Peninsula, Nagato, Yamaguchi, Japan, were studied to find formation process of amygdale minerals. Cavities with amygdale zeolite and associated minerals distribute in the Otsu alkali basalt near Cape Kawashiri at about 25 m level (outcrops O4, L1 and L2) and at 45 m level (outcrops O1 and O2) from the bottom of the Otsu alkali basalt. Chabazite-Na occurs in cavities of all outcrops. Phillipsite-Ca, levyne-Ca and erionite occur only in cavities of upper level outcrop O2, whereas they do not occur in the cavities of lower level O4, L1 and L2 outcrops. The erionite grows as the epitaxial crystal on the surface of levyne-Ca. Heulandite-Ca occurs only in L2 outcrop. Calcite is a common amygdale mineral. Barite and quartz occur in cavities of the lower level outcrops. Chabazite-Ca occurs rarely as inclusions in chabazite-Na in the cavity of outcrop O4. In the cavities of outcrops O2, O4 and L2, crystallization trends from the wall to center are phillipsite-Ca to chabazite-Na, chabazite-Ca to chabazite-Na, and heulandite-Ca to chabazite-Na, respectively, whereas, in the cavities of the outcrops O1 and L1, only chabazite-Na occurs. Zeolites formed in early stage tend to rich in divalent exchangeable cations, such as Ca and Mg, and Si. In contrast, zeolites crystallized in the later stage tend to be low in Si and high in monovalent cations. The zeolites and assemblages of amygdale minerals at lower 25 m level outcrops suggest higher crystallization temperature than those at higher outcrops.

Occurrence of zeolite in the Tertiary beds of the southern part of Gunma Prefecture

Occurrence of zeolite in the Tertiary beds of the southern part of Gunma Prefecture

伊豆半島におけるゼオライトの産状・分布・成因

伊豆半島におけるゼオライトの産状・分布・成因

Occurrence of Natural Zeolites

Occurrence of Natural Zeolites

The Nature of Zeolite Occurrences in Deposits of the Olduvai Basin, Northern Tanzania

AbstractThe Plio-Pleistocene deposits of the Olduvai Basin in northern Tanzania consist of a sequence of lacustrine and fluvial sediments. They contain various amounts of zeolite minerals, the formation of which is related to an interaction of volcanic material or detrital clays with saline alkaline lake water and groundwater. Petrographic characteristics of zeolite occurrences provide information about their conditions of formation. They were studied for all four main stratigraphical units that are recognized at Olduvai (Beds I to IV), sampled in the southeastern part of the basin. In the lake-margin deposits of Bed I and the lower part of Bed II, chabazite is the dominant zeolite mineral accompanied by phillipsite and minor amounts of erionite and clinoptilolite. Chabazite commonly occurs as part of altered volcanic rock fragments, characterized by partial or complete dissolution of volcanic glass and the formation of chabazite inside vesicles, following the development of thin smectite coatings. It also formed within the sediment matrix, requiring extended periods of impregnation of the deposits by saline alkaline solutions. Chabazite also occurs extensively as coatings and infillings of pores, developed during periods of subaerial exposure which were characterized by high groundwater levels. Phillipsite formed at a later stage, from more evolved solutions, with higher K/Na ratios than during chabazite formation. The fluvial deposits of Bed IV, Bed III and the upper part of Bed II have a high analcime content. They also contain various amounts of chabazite, phillipsite and natrolite. All zeolite minerals mainly occur in pores. The predominance of analcime indicates a higher salinity and alkalinity than during the preceding period with sedimentation and diagenesis in a lake margin environment. Early development of zeolite occurrences, shortly after the deposits became exposed during breaks in sedimentation, is recorded for some intervals, where zeolites are covered by illuvial clay coatings or by sparitic carbonate cement. In most intervals, however, zeolites mainly formed at a later stage.

Activity Diagrams of Zeolites: Implications for the Occurrences of Zeolites in Turkey and of Erionite Worldwide

AbstractSedimentary zeolite occurrences are widespread in Central and Western Anatolia, Turkey. Erionite occurrences in Central Anatolia have significant health implications for inhabitants of the region. The widespread occurrences of zeolites are generally associated with volcano-sedimentary rocks and consist of low-temperature forms. The aim of the work was to define specifically the formation mechanism and chemical characteristics of these volcano-sedimentary deposits, and particularly, the stability conditions for erionite. The first step was to construct chemical potential diagrams and calculate thermodynamic data for erionite and Ca-saponite. Then, equilibrium activity diagrams were calculated for the zeolites and related minerals in the system of Ca-Na-K-Mg-Fe-Al-Si and H2O. Stability diagrams for log [aCa2+/(aH+)2] — log [aNa+/aH+] and log [aCa2+/(aH+)2] — log [aK+/aH+] for various saturation phase activities of Al3+ and SiO2 (aq) were plotted for sedimentary conditions. The coexisting phases and chemical characteristics of the each deposit were evaluated by examination of the activity diagrams. Deposits which do not include some of the common sedimentary zeolites, possibly have high Al3+ activity (equal to or greater than gibbsite saturation) or low SiO(aq) activity (less than quartz saturation) during formation. In addition, erionite was found to be very sensitive to the alkalinity of the system and is stable in only a limited range of thermochemical conditions.

Occurrence of Zeolites in Sedimentary Rocks: An Overview

Zeolites have been known since the mid-1750s, but prior to the early 1950s, most reported occurrences of zeolites were in fracture fillings and amygdules in igneous rocks, particularly basaltic lava flows. Indeed, most of the large attractive zeolite specimens in museum collections were obtained from lavas. In recent years, zeolites have been recognized as important rock-forming constituents in low-grade metamorphic rocks and in a variety of sedimentary rocks. Most zeolites in sedimentary rocks are finely crystalline, that is they occur as microscopic or submicroscopic crystals, and they are therefore of little appeal to mineral collectors; however, deposits of this type are voluminous and have great geologic significance and economic potential. Zeolites are among the most common authigenic silicate minerals that occur in sedimentary rocks, and they form in sedimentary rocks of diverse lithology, age, and depositional environment. About twenty species of zeolites have been reported from sedimentary rocks, but only eight zeolites commonly make up the major part of zeolitic rocks. These are analcime, chabazite, clinoptilolite, erionite, heulandite, laumontite, mordenite, and phillipsite. This chapter will consider chiefly the zeolites in sedimentary rocks, with emphasis on volcaniclastic deposits, which contain the largest concentrations of zeolites. The occurrence of zeolites in lava flows is mentioned only briefly. Journal articles on the occurrence and origin of natural zeolites have multiplied at a rapid rate since the Mineralogy and Geology of Natural Zeolites was first published in 1977 as Volume 4 of the Mineralogical Society of America’s Reviews in Mineralogy . The present review will highlight areas of more recent research on the occurrence and origin of zeolites and some of the coexisting minerals. A wide variety of zeolites has been identified in sedimentary deposits, with the most common being clinoptilolite, analcime, heulandite, laumontite, and phillipsite. Less abundant zeolites include chabazite, erionite, mordenite, natrolite …

Geochemical Stability of Natural Zeolites

Zeolites are used in numerous agricultural, commercial, and environmental applications (e.g. as soil conditioners and fertilizers, and as adsorbents for ammonia, heavy metals, nuclear and organic wastes). It is important to understand their stability to insure their persistence and effectiveness in these applications. An analysis of the occurrence of natural zeolites provides basic data on conditions favorable for zeolite stability and formation. All such environments have neutral to alkaline waters and, with few exceptions, are associated with low-temperature (<300°C) alteration of highly reactive volcanic rocks containing natural glasses. The principal exceptions are certain deep sedimentary sequences, sometimes associated with petroleum maturation where volcanic ash falls are absent, and deep-sea sediments where biogenic opal may be the highly reactive phase. Since initial recognition of the zeolite facies in diagenetic alteration (Coombs et al. 1959), investigators have struggled to develop a quantitative basis for defining zeolite stability fields by development of both the thermodynamic relations and kinetic factors governing zeolite formation. An additional motivation for study in the United States and elsewhere is the occurrence (and use) of zeolites at potential sites for disposing of high-level radioactive waste in underground repositories. Regulatory requirements for a high-level radioactive waste repository, reflecting public concerns over the integrity of subsurface disposal facilities, require unprecedented quantitative predictions of the physical-chemical response of zeolites to heat generated during radioactive decay and to waste-rock interactions over a time period exceeding tens of thousands of years. In light of such requirements, investigators are taking a new look at the thermodynamic and kinetic factors affecting zeolitization. The geochemical conditions that result in zeolite formation have been outlined in numerous studies (e.g. Hay 1966, 1978; Iijima 1978, Surdam and Sheppard 1978, Sheppard and Hay, this volume; Hay and Sheppard, this volume). Aqueous silica activity, cation concentrations, and …

Zeolites in Soil Environments

Research Article| January 01, 2001 Zeolites in Soil Environments Douglas W. Ming; Douglas W. Ming Mail Code SN2, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Janis L. Boettinger Janis L. Boettinger Department of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Douglas W. Ming Mail Code SN2, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058 Janis L. Boettinger Department of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322 Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America First Online: 09 Mar 2017 © The Mineralogical Society Of America Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry (2001) 45 (1): 323–345. https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2001.45.11 Article history First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Douglas W. Ming, Janis L. Boettinger; Zeolites in Soil Environments. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 2001;; 45 (1): 323–345. doi: https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2001.45.11 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyReviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry Search Advanced Search “The limited occurrence of these minerals has resulted in a scant knowledge about their properties in the soils.” Zelazny and Calhoun (1977) As pointed out by the above authors, the occurrence of natural zeolites in soils is rare and not well known, and only about 75 papers have been published describing the occurrence of zeolites in soils. These occurrences range from hot, humid soils in India to cold, arid soils in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica. Most of these reports describe residual zeolite phases that have persisted from the parent material during soil formation; however, there are reports... You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Zeolites in Closed Hydrologic Systems

Zeolites were first described from vugs and fissures in basaltic flows in the mid-eighteenth century (Cronstedt 1756), and they are now known to be widespread in a variety of geological environments. More zeolite species occur in vesicles and fractures of basaltic rocks than in any other geologic setting. However, zeolites from sedimentary rocks, in particular, represent the most important occurrences both in terms of aerial extent of deposits and in terms of the abundance of certain zeolite species. The introduction of new analytical techniques in the latter part of the 20th century provided a significant stimulus to zeolite research; these techniques allowed identification of large quantities of zeolites in widespread deposits of sedimentary rocks and, in particular, in sediments from saline, alkaline lakes of the western United States (Sheppard and Gude 1968, 1969a, 1973). Based on geological and hydrologic environments, zeolite occurrences in sedimentary rocks can be classified in the following framework: (a) saline, alkaline lakes; (b) alkaline soils and land surfaces; (c) deep-sea sediments; (d) open hydrologic systems; (e) as products of hydrothermal alteration; and (f) burial diagenetic or low-metamorphic environments. From a broader perspective, zeolite deposits can be classified into two main groups, namely closed hydrologic systems and open hydrologic systems. The work of Sheppard and Gude (1968, 1969a, 1973) and later Surdam (1977), discussing not only the mineralogy of the deposits but also the geology, hydrology, and chemistry of the depositional basins, represent milestones in the study of closed hydrologic system formation of zeolites. Surdam (1977) considered closed hydrologic basins in two different tectonic settings: (a) block-faulted regions in arid and semiarid regions; and (b) trough valleys associated with rifting. Examples of the first setting are the closed lakes of the Basin and Range province of the western United States whereas the …