The Reconstruction of Natural Zeolites

Zeolites have unusual properties and as a result they are some of the most interesting inorganic materials known today. In contrast to conventional nanomaterials, zeolites exhibit a long-term stable inner void system on the nanometer scale and their properties are almost independent from the crystal size. This volume summarizes the known properties of natural zeolites and, importantly, shows how they can be synthesized by simulating the conditions of natural formation. Systematically, a direct correlation between the glassy precursor composition and that of the zeolite product is established. The zeolite crystal morphology obtained at given synthesis conditions allows direct conclusions on the conditions of formation in nature. This book is a valuable practical guide and tool for solid-state chemists, physicists, mineralogists and engineers.